Curry Barker, Writer and Director of ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre,’ Shares Thoughts on Leatherface’s Family and Their Dark Secrets

As a new filmmaker, Curry Barker is preparing to present a fresh interpretation of Leatherface, more than 50 years after the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Recently announced as the writer and director of the reboot, Barker shared insights about his approach.

Barker, also recognized as a YouTube comedian, expressed his fascination with "the uncomfortability of the family" surrounding the chainsaw-wielding killer. "I think of it as respecting the source material," he told Total Film. "I absolutely love the original film, but I want to do something that’s different. I’m not gonna stray away too far from what we know, but just making it stronger."

He emphasized his intention to delve deeper into the family’s dynamics, stating, “Really, I want to lean into the uncomfortability of the family. I want to lean into the rawness of what’s going on there. There’s some really messed up stuff happening at that farm. I genuinely feel there’s so much potential for that concept that has not been realized.”

Barker cited the 2003 remake directed by Marcus Nispel as his personal favorite in the franchise, recalling, “It was like my first horror movie I’d ever seen when I was a kid, and I actually think it’s a decent remake.”

“Still, there’s so much that that concept hasn’t really leaned into or hasn’t dived [into],” he continued. “So, I actually feel like there’s a lot to explore, so I’m really excited about it.”

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise originally launched in 1974, crafted by Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel, with Gunnar Hansen famously portraying Leatherface.