Dark Sky Films and Exurbia Films Announce Animated ‘Texas Chain Saw Massacre’

In a move that’s sure to send chills down the spines of horror fans, Dark Sky Films and Exurbia Films have announced plans to produce an animated version of the cult classic ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.’ The film, which is set to hit theaters in 2027, will mark a bold new chapter in the franchise’s history.

According to the production team, the animated film will employ a unique visual style that pays homage to the original 1974 movie. Using the rotoscoping technique, animators will craft hand-drawn animation over live-action reference footage. This painstaking process, which involves drawing each frame by hand, will result in a hauntingly beautiful and eerie visual experience.

Rotoscoping has a rich history in the world of animation, dating back to 1915 when Max Fleischer first experimented with the technique. Since then, it has been used in a number of iconic films, including Walt Disney’s Snow White and Cinderella, and more recently in Richard Linklater’s Waking Life and A Scanner Darkly.

The production team has assembled a talented group of artists to bring this vision to life. Paul Beck will serve as both animation director and art director, while Max Peake and Nate Bayless will lead the charge as lead animators. Jeremy Martinez will be responsible for creating the film’s backgrounds.

The first footage from the animated ‘Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ will be premiered at Texas Chain Saw Day on August 18th, courtesy of Fathom Entertainment. This will give fans their first glimpse of the film’s unique visual style and set the stage for its highly anticipated release in 2027.

A Brief History of the Original Film

The original ‘Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ was released in 1974 and directed by Tobe Hooper. The film starred Marilyn Burns, Allen Danzinger, Paul A. Pertain, Teri McMinn, and William Vail as a group of teenagers who pick up a hitchhiker (Edwin Neal) and ultimately find themselves at the mercy of a family of cannibals (Jim Siedow and John Dugan).

One of the most iconic villains in horror movie history, Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen), wields a chainsaw in a scene that has become synonymous with the franchise. John Larroquette will provide the narration for the film’s Fathom trailer.

What to Expect from the Animated Film

• The film will be an animated retelling of the original story, using rotoscoping to create a unique visual style.
• The production team has assembled a talented group of artists to bring this vision to life.
• The first footage from the film will be premiered at Texas Chain Saw Day on August 18th.

With its unique visual style and talented production team, the animated ‘Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ is shaping up to be a must-see for horror fans in 2027.