Full Breakdown
Curry Barker to Direct New Texas Chainsaw Massacre Reboot for A24
4/29/2026, 3:58:39 AM
Core Event: A24 Greenlights a New Texas Chainsaw Massacre Reboot
A24 announced that Curry Barker will write and direct the next Texas Chainsaw Massacre film. No release date or plot details have been released. Barker, who directed *Milk & Serial* (2024) and *Obsession* (2025), will helm the project for the studio.
Background & Context: Franchise History and Recent Reception
The 1974 original by Tobe Hooper is a horror landmark. It spawned sequels in 1986, 1990, 1995, a 2003 remake, a 2006 prequel, and later entries in 2013, 2017, and 2022. The eight follow-up films have drawn mixed-to-negative reviews, prompting debate over the series’ future.
Key Figures & Groups
Curry Barker, writer-director of *Obsession*, earned strong festival reviews. A24 secured the franchise rights. The series centers on iconic killer Leatherface. Original director Tobe Hooper and 2003 remake director Marcus Nispel are cited as influences.
Official Statements & Responses
Barker said the series’ potential remains untapped and that earlier remakes “went the opposite direction” of what’s needed. He wants to shift focus from a simple chase to a story with “some heart,” letting audiences care about characters. He praised Hooper’s raw original and called the 2003 remake “quite good,” noting its nostalgic appeal. A24’s acquisition signals confidence in a fresh approach.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans and critics have expressed skepticism, urging the series be “put to bed” and questioning the need for another reboot given the franchise’s mixed critical history.
Data & Statistics
The franchise comprises nine films: the 1974 original plus eight sequels/remakes released in 1986, 1990, 1995, 2003, 2006, 2013, 2017, and 2022. *Obsession* originally received an NC-17 rating before being cut to R.
Why It Matters
A successful reboot could revive a franchise long criticized for uneven quality, while A24’s reputation for inventive genre films may attract new audiences. Barker’s focus on character depth could reshape horror by pairing visceral gore with emotional stakes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Release date, casting and plot details remain undisclosed, leaving the project’s scope uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A lot of people are excited about [the reboot], but a lot of people are like, ‘Put this thing to bed. It’s all been done.’ I beg to differ,” — Curry Barker, Director
- “I’m really excited to do a Texas Chainsaw Massacre that’s not just about a guy chasing some people around with a chainsaw; that has some heart to it. You care about these characters and want to see them survive, and it’s brutal.” — Curry Barker, Director
- “I think that one is really raw and was really good for its time.” — Curry Barker, Director
- “I actually think the 2003 remake is actually quite good too, but it could also be from… there’s a nostalgia there.” — Curry Barker, Director
What’s Next
Further details, including a release schedule and casting announcements, are expected from A24 as production moves forward.
