Texas Chainsaw Massacre Reimagining Nabs Obsession Director to Carve a Bold New Vision

Well, it looks like Leatherface is suiting up for another run: A24 is officially taking a swing at a new Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie. Yeah, the indie darling studio that's built its brand on weird, artsy genre flicks is now playing with one of the biggest slasher franchises around. That's not all, either—there's also a Texas Chainsaw TV show brewing at the same time.

Fresh Blood Behind the Camera

A24 isn't going the obvious route for a director, either. They're handing the reins to Curry Barker. If you don't recognize the name, that's because Barker is just starting to heat up as a horror filmmaker. His latest, Obsession, apparently got people talking when it premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year. (More on that in a second.)

Details about how Barker plans to spin the Chainsaw mythos are… very much under lock and key for now. So, no word on what this version of Leatherface will look like, sound like, or if he's still dealing in questionable home decor. But here's what we know: this movie is marching forward alongside the new TV series (produced by Glen Powell, Dan Cohen, and JT Mollner). Sounds like this is more than just one random reboot—A24 and company are laying the groundwork for a proper Texas Chainsaw universe. Or, well, as 'universe' as you can get with big guys wielding power tools.

Wait, a TV Show Too?

The TV project is being co-steered by Glen Powell, the guy you just saw in every other buzzy streaming or big-screen thing in the past year, plus producer Dan Cohen and director JT Mollner. Earlier this year, Powell tried to put fans at ease with a pretty enthusiastic speech about why this version will be something special. There are a lot of these key-words-in-a-row PR quotes thrown around Hollywood, but here’s the best nugget from what Powell actually said:

"I care about it, everybody cares about it. I know we’re going to do something really special with it, so I’m feeling very very good. It was a long process to get there, but I know we have something really fun ahead."

So, yes: actors, producers, and every creative tangentially near this thing apparently "care" — but there’s real optimism it won’t just be another tired entry. Powell even called the original "one of the most brilliant horror movies," which, let’s face it, is hard to argue with if you like your horror a little unhinged.

Who Exactly is Curry Barker?

All right, back to the director. Curry Barker co-wrote and directed Obsession, which is not exactly a subtle movie. Imagine: a normal guy working at a music store gets his hands on a cursed toy, uses it to try to make his childhood crush fall in love with him, and—surprise, it backfires in the most horror-movie way possible. Honestly, what did he think would happen?

Our own Chris Bumbray caught Obsession at SXSW and was really into it. Let me paraphrase his thoughts: Barker doesn't pull his punches when it comes to separating real love from outright obsession, the movie has black comedy all over it, and the sudden, brutal gore sneaks up on you. If you go in for movies that leave you trying to figure out if you should laugh or scream—or just squirm uncomfortably—this might be your thing.

Sidebar: Obsession is officially dropping in theaters May 15.

Here’s What’s Coming (So Far):

• Feature Film: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre reimagining at A24, directed (and written) by Curry Barker. Plot: still totally secret.
• TV Series: Separate project developed by Glen Powell, Dan Cohen, and JT Mollner, with Powell hyping it as an actual passion project.
• Barker’s Cred: Watch for Obsession in theaters May 15 if you want a taste of what he does with horror and bad life choices.

So: A24 is betting that Barker—who seems to lean into the messy, psychological stuff—can do something new with Leatherface. Will it work? Who knows. After all, few things in horror are as volatile as a 'reimagining.' At least we know they aren’t just dusting off the old chainsaw for a paint-by-numbers remake this time.