A24 Taps Curry Barker to Direct New Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Curry Barker steps into horror history with a new take on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

A24 Taps Rising Filmmaker Curry Barker to Reimagine The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

A new chapter is forming for one of horror’s most enduring franchises. A24 is moving forward with a fresh take on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, with filmmaker Curry Barker in talks to write and direct.

The project will stand separate from an upcoming television adaptation also in development, signaling A24’s intent to explore multiple directions within the property. Barker’s involvement points toward a new creative approach, with the studio aligning itself with a filmmaker who has rapidly moved from independent production to major studio attention.

A Rapid Rise

Barker’s trajectory has been unusually fast. After building an audience through YouTube sketch content, he produced a micro-budget horror film for roughly $800 and released it online, where it generated millions of views. That visibility led to his breakout feature Obsession, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and became one of the biggest acquisitions of the event, landing at Focus Features for a reported $15 million.

The film, which Barker wrote, directed, and edited, follows a Monkey’s Paw-style premise centered on obsession and unintended consequences—an approach that leans heavily into psychological horror and character-driven storytelling.

With Obsession set for release May 15, Barker is already moving forward with his next projects, including the recently completed Anything But Ghosts, produced by Jason Blum and Roy Lee.

A Franchise at a Turning Point

Originally released in 1974, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre redefined independent horror. Made on a minimal budget, it became one of the most profitable films in genre history and established a blueprint for raw, grounded horror storytelling.

Since then, the franchise has moved through multiple iterations—reboots, sequels, and reinterpretations—often with varying degrees of success. A24’s involvement marks a shift, placing the property in the hands of a studio known for character-driven horror and a focus on tone and atmosphere.

Barker has previously expressed interest in the franchise, making this move a natural alignment between filmmaker and material. While details on his version remain undisclosed, the hiring suggests a potential shift toward a more contemporary perspective aimed at newer audiences.

Production Team

The film will be produced by Roy Lee and Steven Schneider, alongside Stuart Manashil and the team at Exurbia Films, with Ben Ross serving as executive producer.

With Barker stepping into the franchise, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre enters another phase—one that connects its independent roots with a new generation of filmmakers and audiences.