Curry Barker, director of the forthcoming film Obsession, has been tapped by A24 to helm a new reimagining of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Barker, who recently revealed his involvement, indicated that his take on the slasher franchise will delve into the "rawness" and "messed up stuff happening at that farm," aiming to amplify the disturbing aspects related to Leatherface's family.
Barker intends to focus on the "uncomfortability of the family," suggesting a departure from previous iterations that he feels missed the mark. He plans to inject "heart" into the narrative, ensuring audiences connect with the characters' struggle for survival, while still maintaining a brutal tone. This approach marks a conscious effort to steer away from what he perceives as a misdirection in numerous prior remakes.
Franchise Expansion Amidst Creative Shifts
The development of Barker's film is occurring concurrently with A24's efforts on a separate Texas Chainsaw Massacre television series. This series is being produced by Glen Powell and Dan Cohen through their Barnstorm production company, with JT Mollner attached to direct.
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A24 secured the rights to the franchise in a competitive auction last year, fending off interest from entities such as Blumhouse. The studio's strategy appears to mirror that of other major players, like 20th Century Pictures with its Alien franchise, aiming to maintain brand presence through multiple, potentially non-contiguous, narrative projects.
Industry Buzz and Legacy Considerations
Barker's appointment comes after a period of intense industry speculation, with bids from various studios and production houses, including Neon, Paramount Pictures, Monkey Paw Productions, and Netflix. The franchise, which originated with Tobe Hooper's 1974 film, has seen numerous sequels, prequels, and remakes, though few are considered to have recaptured the impact of the original.
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Barker's directorial debut, Obsession, is slated for release on May 15, 2026. His prior work, including content creation originating from platforms like YouTube, is seen by some industry observers as indicative of a broader trend in horror filmmaking. Roy Lee and Steven Schneider of Spooky Pictures are set to produce the new Texas Chainsaw Massacre film, alongside Stuart Manashil, Exurbia Films’ Pat Cassidy, Ian Henkel, and Kim Henkel.
