The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Reboot Gets New Director, Entrusted to a Newcomer

A24 is betting on a fresh perspective by handing the reboot of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre to up-and-coming director Curry Barker.

The studio has officially selected Barker to helm the new installment of the iconic horror franchise — a surprising yet telling choice as Hollywood increasingly looks to emerging talent.

A new take on a horror classic
The upcoming film is described as a full reimagining of the 1974 original, which helped define the slasher genre. Plot details remain tightly under wraps, but the story will once again center on Leatherface, one of horror’s most recognizable killers.

Insiders note that the project is being developed alongside a TV series set in the same universe, suggesting a broader effort to expand the franchise.

Curry Barker’s rapid rise
Barker’s appointment may seem неожиданно, but it follows a string of recent successes. His upcoming film Obsession has already generated buzz during festival screenings.

The project, about a man whose fixation with love leads to destructive consequences, was acquired at the Toronto International Film Festival for $14 million — a strong signal of industry confidence.

From YouTube to A24
Barker’s career trajectory is particularly striking. His debut feature Milk & Serial was made on a budget of just $800 and released on YouTube.

Now, he is stepping into a major studio project with A24, reflecting a growing trend of discovering new voices with unique creative visions.

A legacy franchise
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise currently includes nine films and remains one of the most iconic in horror history.

The 1974 original set the standard for generations of slasher films, while Leatherface became a defining figure of the genre.

What to expect
While no release date or further details have been announced, the project is already generating strong interest.

The combination of a legendary source material and a bold new director could be key to successfully reviving the franchise for a modern audience — and for Barker, it represents a major opportunity to establish himself as one of Hollywood’s most promising new filmmakers.