Why Dante From Netflix's Texas Chainsaw Massacre Looks So Familiar
Netflix subscribers might need to prepare to see Leatherface in their nightmares, as the streaming platform is gearing up to drop the next "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." David Blue Garcia's direct sequel to the 1974 original will revive the chainsaw-wielding killer that forever changed the slasher genre. Mark Burnham will be firing up the chainsaw and putting on the Leatherface mask this time around, and he's ready to terrorize a group of newbies who naively attempt to renovate the town of Harlow, Texas.
Fifty years after the events of the original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre," a few youngsters travel to Texas in an attempt to revive the sleepy town (and make a quick buck). However, the group encounters Sally Hardesty (Olwen Fouere), the sole survivor from the first film, which is bad news. They soon discover that Leatherface hasn't retired from gruesomely murdering any poor unfortunate souls who wander into Harlow, and they could be next.
Netflix's "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" stars Sarah Yarkin as Melody, an entrepreneur who brings her sister, Lila (Elsie Fisher), and a group of associates to Harlow to scope out future business. She's joined by a few eager characters, including her friend Dante, played by Jacob Latimore, who supports Melody's ambition. That is, before he comes face-to-face with Leatherface.
The actor who plays Dante might look familiar, as he's appeared in some major projects throughout the 2010s, prior to joining the "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" franchise.
Latimore had a small, but pivotal role in a beloved dystopian trilogy
The bulk of Latimore's film credits are from the 2010s, when the young actor was first breaking onto the scene. It was also a time when film adaptations of young adult novels were massively popular, so it's no surprise that his career crossed paths with a popular film trilogy. Latimore was a supporting character in "The Maze Runner," the 2014 debut film based on the dystopian novels of the same name by James Dashner. Latimore portrays Jeff, a Med-jack of the Glade — basically their version of a doctor — who is already navigating life in the labyrinth when Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) arrives.
Jeff's time in the movie is short, but impactful. He goes from laughing at Thomas' ignorance to believing in his grand ideas of escaping, which consequently leads to Jeff's downfall. Jeff tragically dies at the hands of a Griever as he follows Thomas' escape plan, sacrificing himself to save Minho (Ki Hong Lee). Latimore showcases his strong dramatic acting in "The Maze Runner," making his supporting character one of the more memorable in the film.
He portrayed the magic-wielding hero in Sleight
Latimore's first major role was as the unconventional hero in the 2016 sci-fi film "Sleight." Latimore stars as Bo, a young magician struggling to support his family through street performing and dealing drugs on the side. He's extremely intelligent, even figuring out how to install an electromagnet into his arm to wow crowds with his gravity-defying tricks. However, he gets into some trouble with his illegal side gig, which forces him to further develop his magic powers as a means of survival.
"Sleight" received positive critical reviews, earning a 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, as the movie has all the ingredients needed for a captivating drama. Latimore portrays a character who is honest and endearing, and viewers believe in him even though he's in way over his head. Also, every good hero has a captivating origin story, and Bo gets bonus points because he's totally self-made. While he may not be a household-name hero, Latimore's portrayal as a complicated young magician will forever be a success on his resume.
Latimore starred in the movie Detroit, based on the real-life riots of 1967
Latimore has the ability to take on emotionally taxing roles and deliver a performance that sticks with the viewer. There's no better example than his supporting role in 2017's "Detroit." Based on the riots that occurred in Detroit in 1967, Kathryn Bigelow tells the story of harrowing, racially-motivated violence at the hands of police officers, resulting in the death of three black men (via The Washington Post).
"Detroit" features Latimore as Fred Temple, a bodyguard working for Larry Reed (Algee Smith), the lead singer of the Dramatics. Temple and Reed book a room at the Algiers Motel in Detroit after the riots prohibit the Dramatics from performing as planned. Consequently, they are present for the police raid in the motel, during which law enforcement officials unjustly torture and execute patrons. Temple is unfortunately one of the three men who dies, after he refuses to vow to be silent about the injustice that happens at the motel.
Bigelow told The Washington Post that through focusing on these murders, she hoped to explore the overarching history of "racial oppression and rage" in Detroit in this particular period of time. Latimore's character is an important part of this theme. In "Detroit," Temple feels it's so important to speak out about the abuse he experiences, he loses his life for it.
He's a lovable playboy in The Chi
Most recently, Latimore has secured a regular starring role in Lena Waite's coming-of-age drama "The Chi." The Showtime series follows residents of the South Side of Chicago who bond over the ongoings of their neighborhood. Showtime has aired four seasons, with a fifth in the works, all of which Latimore plays a major part in (via Deadline).
The actor portrays Emmett Washington, an enterprising young man whose ultimate weakness is women. He's someone you want to root for as he tries to flourish in his career, love life, and more. However, you can't help but scoff at his mistakes, like his infidelity problems, that are obviously holding him back. Emmett is always trying to find ways to support his unplanned son, and deep down, he wants to grow up and settle down.
It's interesting to watch a character that is so toxic to people in his life, but not dislike them. Instead of writing him off, Latimore's portrayal showcases Emmett as a human being who makes mistakes, but deserves to be successful regardless.