Curry W. Barker’s attachment to the new Texas Chainsaw Massacre film has sharpened interest in A24’s take on the franchise — and he’s already dropped a few clues about the direction he plans to take. With his latest film opening to strong reviews, Barker says he wants to pull elements from the 1986 sequel that blended uneasy comedy with sudden darkness, and that choice could reshape how the series returns to the Sawyer clan.
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Barker’s reputation has grown this month as his thriller Obsession opened in theaters to widespread praise; early scores put the film near the top of critics’ lists. That momentum is why his comments about the Chainsaw revival — given to Polygon — matter now: they suggest the project may move beyond a straight Leatherface spotlight and toward a broader, character-driven view of the Sawyer world.
What Barker has signalled so far
He told Polygon he admires The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 and is drawn to its unusual tonal mix — an off-kilter, often grimly funny energy that flips into violence. Barker also indicated he’s eager to mine characters from that era who haven’t had much screen time, though he stressed he hasn’t started writing the script yet.
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The practical takeaway for audiences: this version could expand the cast of central figures and reintroduce familiar faces from the franchise’s mid-1980s entry rather than merely retreading the Leatherface origin story.
- Leatherface — Still the franchise’s core threat, but possibly framed as part of a wider family dynamic rather than a sole antagonist.
- Drayton “Cook” Sawyer — The Sawyer patriarch in Part 2; a return would deepen the film’s household politics and moral rot.
- Robert “Chop Top” Sawyer — A conspicuous, eccentric figure from the sequel whose presence would signal a direct line to the 1986 film’s tone.
- Lieutenant Boude “Lefty” Enright — The lawman who hunts the Sawyers; including him could reintroduce a narrative of pursuit and consequence.
Any of those characters appearing would shift the focus from isolated horror set pieces to an ensemble-driven story, potentially allowing for more complex dynamics and thematic echoes of the original series. Barker’s interest in an “eerie comedy that turns really dark” suggests a tonal balancing act rather than a straight reboot.
From a production standpoint, A24’s involvement raises expectations about how far the film might stray from conventional franchise beats: the studio’s sensibilities often favor riskier, director-led approaches. That combination — a director known for tight, acclaimed horror and a studio open to stylistic gambits — makes this iteration one to watch.
For now, specifics remain scarce. Barker has teased influences and ambitions but no confirmed casting or plot details. Fans should expect updates as the script develops and the production moves from concept toward casting and filming.
In short: don’t assume this will be another Leatherface origin tale. Barker’s comments point to a potentially broader Sawyer-focused story that borrows the sequel’s unsettling humor and could reintegrate sidelined characters into the franchise’s present-day narrative.
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.