A hand-animated version of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is coming in 2027, and Dark Sky Films just dropped the first official still.

The project uses rotoscoping, artists tracing the 1974 original frame by frame, entirely by hand. No AI. The goal is to preserve Tobe Hooper’s performances and intensity while creating something visually new.

Leading the animation is Paul Beck, a Richard Linklater regular who worked on Waking Life, A Scanner Darkly, and Apollo 10½. He’s joined by animators Max Peake, Nate Bayless, and background artist Jeremy Martinez.

Fans get an early peek during Texas Chain Saw Day on August 18, when the original film returns to theaters nationwide in 4K. Attendees will see exclusive behind-the-scenes footage showing the rotoscoping process and early clips from the new version. Only in theaters.

There’s also a four-minute audio prologue created by Dread Central and the horror podcast Creepy, narrated by Jon Grilz. It recreates the August 18, 1974 murders before the chainsaw ever starts. Also theater-only.

Special Q&As are happening in LA with original cinematographer Daniel Pearl, and in Austin with cast members Teri McMinn and Allen Danziger.

Texas Chain Saw Day is now officially recognized as a holiday by the National Day Archives. Tickets are available through Fathom Entertainment.