Over 50 years ago, Allen Danziger stumbled into a chaotic situation that turned out to become one of the most influential horror films of all time: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. He played Jerry, the van driver and boyfriend of final girl, Sally Hardesty.

Allen’s latest movie is a multiple award-winning indie production called The WeedHacker Massacre. The marvelously self-aware film offers a humorous take on the slasher genre with an energetic cast, fresh character arcs, whimsical yet adept songwriting, and a surprisingly complex plot.

After its successful run on the festival circuit, The WeedHacker Massacre is being released to digital platforms by Buffalo 8 on Friday, October 17 — just in time for the spooky season. StarShine had a chance to ask Allen Danziger a few questions about both The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The WeedHacker Massacre.

It’s rare that a horror movie receives lofty accolades, yet The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, released over half a century ago, is still widely recognized as a masterpiece. Did you know at the time that the film was going to be revered for generations?

Absolutely not. A lot of us didn’t think it would come out. They were changing things, like the script, all the time. And they were stoned a lot of the time.

What do you remember the most about Tobe Hooper (writer/director/producer/composer)?

I remember him being very nice to me, which was great considering I wasn’t an actor. Some of the reviews I received kindly pointed that out.

Why did you come out of retirement?

I met a gentleman by the name of Ray Spivey, who took me off the heap of “where are they now?” (Ray is the writer/producer of The WeedHacker Massacre.)

What traits do you admire in him?

I admire his intelligence, his ability not to get flustered, and his ability to draw people who want to work with him.

Were there any similarities between working on The WeedHacker Massacre and working on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre?

Seeing Pokerface [the weedhacker-wielding behemoth] all dressed up put chills down my spine. The sets could not be more different. WeedHacker was a full-fledged movie. I’d never seen that many people on a set before. On Chainsaw, it was very disorganized. Always changing parts of the script. It was being rewritten every day. I thought the energy on WeedHacker was terrific.

On The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, it was hot, and you had the smell of the bones rotting, the smell of Leatherface’s costume. It was over 100 degrees most days. All the Febreze in the world could not erase that smell from my mind.

How many hats did you wear on this film?

In WeedHacker, I was co-creator, executive producer, and an actor.

Do you have any fond memories of working on this film?

I had my first stunt, in which I punched a villain. The director Jody Stelzig, who is a stuntman by profession, did a great job of coaching me.

Why are independent films so important?

They give upcoming filmmakers a chance to get their work out there. Who has millions to put into a movie?

What’s next for you? 

Lots of meeting the fans. We have the Texas Chainsaw Massacre weekend in Kingsland, TX with some of the original cast members. I’ll be in Houston for a three-day comic book/TCM show where we’ll dedicate a wooden movie prop bench autographed by all the Texas Chainsaw Massacre actors. Then I’m off to Indiana and North Carolina for shows. In November, we’ll have Fear Fest in San Antonio. And hopefully a great response to The WeedHacker Massacre. Will everyone want a sequel?

How can fans follow and support you?

My name is chainsawjerry on my Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Also, you can get more at www.chainsawjerry.com and www.weedhackermovie.com. Thank you!

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More about The WeedHacker Massacre

The WeedHacker Massacre stars David Treviño (Rent Free, Storage Locker), Molly Sakonchick (Storage Locker), Bobbie Grace (Fear the Walking Dead, Velocity Girl), Sean Reyna, Parrish Randall (Circus of the Dead, The Goldilocks), and featuring Allen Danziger (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre) as Sheriff Danzinshoos. The film was co-created by Allen Danziger and Ray Spivey, written and produced by Ray Spivey, executive produced by Allen Danziger, and directed by Jody Stelzig. The film has a running time of 1:35:36 and will not be rated. Buffalo 8 will release the film on digital platforms on October 17, 2025.

The WeedHacker Massacre had its world premiere at the Golden State Film Festival. The film has won many awards including New York International Film Awards Best Comedy Winner – IndieFEST, Awards of Merit – Best Song, Best Actor; Awards of Recognition – Best Screenplay, Best Actress; Best Supporting Actress, Semi-Finalist Best Comedy Chicago Filmmaker Awards, Semi-Finalist Santa Barbara International Movie Awards, Semi-Finalist – Santa Monica International Filmmaker Awards.

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Trailer:

Follow the movie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weedhackermovie/