The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise has had an interesting history to say the least. It’s not been quite as prominent and persistent as its slasher franchise peers like Friday the 13th and Halloween, yet it also feels like a franchise that has lost its way in the modern era.
For me, what sets this franchise apart from other slashers is for one, that Leatherface is not the only villain and is backed up by the Sawyer/Slaughter/Hewitt family. In the first 4 movies and perhaps considering the first remake from 2003, there is a strong balance between the use of both Leatherface and the family. However, since 2003, we have witnessed two different prequel movies, both of which feature significantly less Leatherface, Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013) where the family are almost a complete non-entity (unless you count the main character) (I don’t), and Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) which also features no family members. There has been almost no balance between the two entities and I certainly think this harms the quality of the stories and the appeal of the IP.
While I am a big fan of the remake, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), I don’t necessarily agree with the storytelling choice to give Leatherface a backstory, which would later be explored further in the prequel, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006). I adore the use of Leatherface’s masks in the original movie to depict different personalities and identities which would signify his role in the family at any given point, and believe that the recent movies have sorely missed this. The Beginning wouldn’t even be the only prequel we got, Leatherface (2017) was another attempt at the idea which failed, even adding a nonsensical bait and switch reveal of a different character being Leatherface just to attempt to reclaim some sort of mystery. I am of the opinion that not everything needs to be explained, and constant prequels existing to add extra context to a somewhat mysterious villain often takes so much away from that character.
Another thing missing from modern Texas Chainsaw movies is the variety within Leatherface’s character itself. The original four movies, sort of excluding the third, don’t just portray the character as simply another generic hulking slasher à la Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees. In the first movie, Bubba kills almost exclusively as a response to characters invading his house and is portrayed as quite anxious and scared, using the skin masks to take on different roles in his twisted family. The second movie portrays Leatherface more comedic, being used by director Tobe Hooper as a satire on masculinity through repression, impotence and aggression. The fourth movie would show Leatherface as a more feminine figure, resembling an Old Hollywood starlet, and is the first time the character presents as fully feminine as opposed to wearing a male suit with female masks. I’ve always seen the gender fluid, family-manipulated and somewhat scared version of Leatherface as a very unique and interesting direction for a slasher villain.
One final point I want to highlight is the deviation away from these movies ‘having something to say’. The first two movies at the very least are set against a backdrop of capitalism in America, cultural anxieties of the country in the 70s including the oil crisis and deviation from the concept of the nuclear family. There is also discussion and themes around sexual repression and masculinity on top of this. I think there is a lot of potential to a modern day Texas Chainsaw movie which highlights and critiques modern politics and current cultural events through the lens of the cannibal family, and it would be incredible to see that explored.
We appear to be entering a new era for Texas Chainsaw, with the rights being won by A24, who almost immediately announced a TV show and a movie. We have since learned the show will be helmed by JT Mollner (Strange Darling, The Long Walk), while the movie will be directed by Curry Barker (Milk & Serial, Obsession). The franchise is also receiving backing from popular actor Glen Powell, which could translate to mainstream success if handled well. A24 appear to be taking the franchise seriously judging by the creatives involved, which is certainly promising following years of poor movies. I, and I’m sure many others, can only hope that these projects resort back to the themes and concepts established by the first four movies.
