Curry Barker to Direct A24’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre Reboot, Honoring Tobe Hooper’s Legacy

Curry Barker, the emerging horror talent behind the upcoming Focus Features release “Obsession,” has been hired by A24 to direct and write a reimagining of the 1974 horror classic “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.” This development was confirmed by Variety and Deadline on April 21, 2026, marking Barker’s transition from microbudget YouTube horror to a prestigious arthouse studio project.

The announcement comes after A24 secured the feature rights to the franchise, with Barker set to both direct and write the film. Producers on the project include Roy Lee and Steven Schneider of Spooky Pictures, along with Stuart Manashil and Exurbia Films’ Pat Cassidy, Ian Henkel, and Kim Henkel. Ben Ross of Image Nation will serve as executive producer. This new film is separate from the ongoing development of a “Texas Chainsaw” TV series being developed by JT Mollner, Glen Powell, and Dan Cohen at Barnstorm.

Barker gained industry attention following the success of his festival player “Obsession,” which was acquired by Focus Features in a bidding war that fetched over $14 million after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film, described as a toxic relationship drama centered on a wish for mutual love gone deadly, went on to play SXSW and is scheduled for theatrical release on May 15, 2026. Prior to “Obsession,” Barker directed the microbudget YouTube short “Milk & Serial” in 2024, which was made for approximately $800 and has garnered over 2 million views.

The original “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” was created by Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel and released in 1974, starring Gunnar Hansen as Leatherface. The film is widely credited with ushering in a new era of gritty horror and establishing foundational tropes for the slasher genre. A24’s version is being billed as a “reimagining” rather than a direct remake, with insiders describing it as a fresh take intended to revitalize the franchise for a modern audience. Details regarding casting, plot specifics, or a production timeline have not yet been announced.

In addition to the A24 film, Barker has already lined up his sophomore feature, which is set up at Paramount with Jason Blum and Roy Lee attached as producers. That project is rumored to begin production in the fall of 2026, though no further details have been confirmed. Barker’s hiring reflects a broader trend of YouTube and online horror creators transitioning to mainstream Hollywood, with his background in microbudget and viral horror work cited as a key factor in A24’s decision.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise has seen multiple iterations over the decades, including sequels, remakes, and a television series in development. A24’s involvement signals a shift toward auteur-driven horror, aligning with the studio’s reputation for supporting distinctive voices in genre filmmaking. As of April 22, 2026, “Obsession” is poised for release in mid-May, while Barker’s work on the A24 reboot remains in early development.