'Texas Chainsaw Massacre': A24 ropes in 'Milk & Serial' director and the reboot just got a deadly upgrade
A24 has roped in a famous internet personality to direct and write the reboot of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.' Curry Barker, part of the famous comedy-sketch duo 'that's a bad idea,' will give new life to the iconic horror film, per Deadline. A24 also won the TV and film rights of the project in a competitive bid last year. Produced by Glen Powell and Dan Cohen, JT Mollner is set to direct the series.
Curry Barker's social media channels, which he operates alongside Cooper Tomlinson, have garnered millions of views for their inventive comedy skits and horror short films. Barker and Tomlinson call themselves a 'horrible sketch comedy duo' in the descriptions of their YouTube and Instagram channels. However, their content has obviously been perceived quite differently. Barker emerged in the filmmaking scene after writing and directing the found-footage horror film 'Milk & Serial' in 2024. The independent project, made on an $800 budget, was released on YouTube for free.
Barker's next feature film, 'Obsession,' premiered at the TIFF Midnight Madness section. It earned positive reception from viewers and critics and was picked up by Focus Features for over $15 million. The story follows Bear, a hopeless romantic who wishes to be loved by his crush, Nikki. His wish is granted, but it turns into a nightmare. This simple yet creative plot and Barker's handling of the subject turned him into a hot property in the horror landscape. Naturally, A24 roped him in to write and direct the story that once changed cinema forever.
'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' is one of the most controversial, iconic, and profitable films of all time. Directed and co-written by Tobe Hooper, the film follows a group of friends who encounter a family of cannibals during a trip. It featured 'Leatherface,' a horror icon, inspired by the real-life serial killer, Ed Gein. The film's themes have been the subject of extensive discussion over the years. It is credited with introducing or creating multiple tropes used in horror films. But it's also criticized for showing excessive gore on the silver screen, often making a female character the worst victim of brutal, sadistic violence.
Despite the controversies, there is no denying that 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' is a horror masterpiece. The franchise has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, including the 2022 revival. Barker's passion for horror is evident in his short horror-comedy projects. He has already demonstrated his creative competence with two unique feature films. Horror fans would certainly be excited to see his version of 'Leatherface' and A24's treatment of the story.
