New Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie’s inspiration revealed by Obsession director
Curry Barker, director of the unreleased horror film Obsession, has been selected to helm A24’s upcoming Texas Chainsaw Massacre reboot, marking his next project following his feature directorial debut. The franchise has experienced variable critical and commercial reception since Tobe Hooper’s original 1974 film, and Barker aims to revitalize the series.
In an interview with Polygon, Barker revealed he is drawing inspiration from the 1986 sequel The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2, which he considers underrated within the franchise’s canon. While he has not yet begun writing the screenplay, Barker indicated his intention to incorporate a specific element from the 1986 film into his adaptation, though he declined to reveal the exact nature of this influence, preferring to keep project details confidential.
This represents a notable choice for A24, which has established a strong reputation for supporting auteur-driven horror cinema. Barker’s selection of the 1986 sequel as inspiration suggests a willingness to move beyond the original film’s iconic status and find fresh creative directions within existing franchise material. Given the Texas Chainsaw Massacre property’s numerous adaptations and reboots over decades—with mixed success—Barker’s approach to honoring the franchise’s legacy while establishing his own vision represents a significant creative opportunity.