More than 50 years after forever altering the face of horror, Tobe Hooper’s 1974 masterpiece is taking on a terrifying new form. Dark Sky Films and Exurbia Films have officially announced that a feature-length, hand-animated rotoscoped reimagining of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is currently in production—targeting a theatrical debut in 2027.
However, in an era dominated by software, the team is taking a firm, proud stand. Zero A.I. is being used. Every single frame is being drawn, traced, and textured purely by human hands.
The Mastermind Behind the Ink
The groundbreaking project is helmed by Animation & Art Director Paul Beck, an Austin-based artist who helped pioneer modern rotoscoping alongside director Richard Linklater.
Beck’s impressive animation pedigree includes serving as a lead animator on acclaimed rotoscoped works such as Waking Life, A Scanner Darkly, and Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood.
“The original Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a masterpiece that changed cinema forever,” says Beck. “Our goal is to honor its legacy by reimagining it through the timeless art of hand-drawn rotoscoping, giving audiences a completely new way to experience a film they thought they already knew.”
Pure Craftsmanship, Zero AI
Rotoscoping is a technique invented by Max Fleischer in 1915. It has been used in early Disney classics (Snow White), cult favorites (Heavy Metal, Fire and Ice), and more. It requires artists to trace live-action footage frame by frame.
By avoiding automated shortcuts, the veteran art team retains total creative control over every texture, shadow, and flicker of fear. This preserves the iconic raw performances of the original while elevating it into a haunting visual surrealism.
The All-Star Animation Crew
Max Peake is serving as lead animator for the project. Nate Bayless (Apollo 10½, Undone, BoJack Horseman, Tower) joins as Special Effects Animation Supervisor. And last, but not least, award-winning illustrator Jeremy Martinez (Undone, Let’s Be Real) serves as the background artist.
First Look Coming on Texas Chain Saw Day!
Horror fans won’t have to wait until 2027 to get a glimpse of the bloodshed. On August 18, Dark Sky Films and Fathom Entertainment are hosting the annual Texas Chain Saw Day in theaters nationwide. Attendees will get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes featurette showcasing never-before-seen exploration footage and a sneak peek of the hand-drawn animation mid-production.
Tickets for Texas Chain Saw Day are available now through Fathom Entertainment!
We’ll keep you posted as more details are released. In the meantime, watch the original on Roku, Pluto TV, or Prime Video.
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