A24 Revives the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Franchise with New TV Series and Film

A24 has secured the rights to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise, marking a significant revival of the iconic horror series that began with Tobe Hooper's 1974 film. Following a competitive bidding process led by Verve, A24 will launch a television series directed by JT Mollner, with a feature film also in early development. Glen Powell, through his production company Barnstorm, will serve as an executive producer alongside a team that includes Roy Lee and Steven Schneider from Spooky Pictures, Stuart Manashil, Image Nation’s Ben Ross, and Kim Henkel, who co-created the original film.

The ’Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ Is Coming Back to Life — Thanks to A24, JT Mollner, and Glen PowellA24 to Reboot ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ With TV Series and Film‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ Series in the Works From A24, Glen Powell, ‘Long Walk’ Writer JT Mollner‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ TV Series in the Works from A24, JT Mollner, Glen Powell; New Film Also in DevelopmentA24 Wins ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ Rights: TV Series In Works From JT Mollner, Glen Powell & Roy Lee; ImageNation Pic In Early DevelopmentA24 Fires Up The Chainsaw With New TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE TV Series and Film Plans — GeekTyrant‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ Heads to A24 With Glen Powell Producing; TV Series Sets JT Mollner to Direct, Plus New Movie in the Works

The project is spearheaded by JT Mollner, known for his work on "Strange Darling" and "The Long Walk." Mollner emphasized his respect for the original film, stating, “I’ve said publicly that I’m not interested in remaking perfect films, and the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a perfect film.” He aims to explore the franchise's lore in a fresh way while honoring its legacy. Glen Powell expressed his personal connection to the franchise, calling it one of his favorite films and a defining piece of horror cinema.

‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ Series in the Works From A24, Glen Powell, ‘Long Walk’ Writer JT Mollner

The executive production team also includes Ian Henkel and Pat Cassidy from Exurbia Films, who are involved in both the series and the upcoming film. The television series will be the first project to be released, with the film still in the early stages of development. The rights auction attracted interest from various high-profile creatives, including Jordan Peele and Taylor Sheridan, but ultimately, A24 emerged as the victor.

A24 Wins ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ Rights: TV Series In Works From JT Mollner, Glen Powell & Roy Lee; ImageNation Pic In Early Development

Kim Henkel remarked on A24's reputation for boundary-testing genre films, stating, “It was a difficult decision, but A24’s embrace of boundary-testing genre film, and its record of working with artists who are inclined to test boundaries made them a compelling choice.” The team believes that their collaboration will yield a series that is both innovative and true to the franchise's roots.

‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ TV Series in the Works from A24, JT Mollner, Glen Powell; New Film Also in Development

Since its release, the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre has spawned eight sequels, prequels, and remakes, including Netflix's 2022 installment. The franchise has generated significant revenue, with the original film grossing $31 million against a budget of just $140,000. The rights have changed hands multiple times, with New Line Cinema previously distributing the franchise and generating over $252 million worldwide.

A24 Wins ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ Rights: TV Series In Works From JT Mollner, Glen Powell & Roy Lee; ImageNation Pic In Early Development

With A24 at the helm, the future of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise appears promising. The combination of a long-form series exploring the mythos and a new feature film aims to reinvigorate interest in Leatherface and his terrifying legacy. As the project progresses, fans of the franchise can anticipate a fresh yet respectful take on this horror classic.

A24 Fires Up The Chainsaw With New TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE TV Series and Film Plans — GeekTyrant

• “I’ve said publicly that I’m not interested in remaking perfect films, and the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a perfect film,” — JT Mollner, Director

‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ Series in the Works From A24, Glen Powell, ‘Long Walk’ Writer JT Mollner

• “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of my favorite films. It defined a generation of horror films and over half a century after its release, it remains one of the definitive movies of my home state. I’m honored to have Barnstorm help bring in a new chapter for such an iconic title and franchise. With a marquee home in A24 and visionary filmmaker with JT Mollner, alongside our top shelf producing partners, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better team for such a dream property.” — Glen Powell, Executive Producer

A24 Wins ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ Rights: TV Series In Works From JT Mollner, Glen Powell & Roy Lee; ImageNation Pic In Early Development

• “It was a difficult decision, but A24’s embrace of boundary-testing genre film and its record of working with artists who are inclined to test boundaries made them a compelling choice,” — Kim Henkel, Co-Creator of the Original Film

‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ TV Series in the Works from A24, JT Mollner, Glen Powell; New Film Also in Development