The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise, celebrating its 50th anniversary last year, is at the center of a heated contest as Jordan Peele bidding for Texas Chainsaw Massacre rights intensifies among notable filmmakers and major studios. With its legacy on the line, industry icons and streaming powerhouses are scrambling to claim the opportunity to define Leatherface’s next chapter.
Competition Among Leading Studios and Filmmakers Ignites
Since Tobe Hooper’s original film, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre has stood as a horror landmark, and recent developments have ramped up speculation about its future. After reports earlier this year attaching JT Mollner, recognized for Strange Darling, and Glen Powell, Hollywood’s current rising actor, to a potential new project, the situation has escalated further. Verve, which has controlled the franchise rights since 2017, is now fielding bids from a wave of prominent studios and streaming platforms desperate to secure the intellectual property.
Bidding War Attracts Industry Heavyweights
New insights reveal that between five and eight entities are vying for the rights in this ongoing contest. While no favorites have emerged yet, Taylor Sheridan—famed for the success of Yellowstone—has been spotlighted as an interested competitor, demonstrating the franchise’s far-reaching appeal. The field includes JT Mollner collaborating with producer Roy Lee, Glen Powell, and powerhouse distributor A24, all aiming to launch a TV adaptation. Oz Perkins, following recognition for The Monkey and Longlegs, is in talks to co-author and produce a new version with Bryan Bertino, known for The Strangers, backed by NEON. The prize has also drawn Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, already under deal with Universal Pictures, expressing keen interest in reviving the series for a new generation.
Potential Directions After Netflix’s Previous Installment
The last entry in the series debuted on Netflix in 2022, ending with clear potential for a sequel that was ultimately halted as development never came to fruition. This dynamic environment leaves open the possibility that Netflix could re-enter the race for distribution, though nothing definitive has been set. The uncertainty weighs heavily on bidding parties, as each seeks not just ownership but a chance to redefine a horror institution.
Profile of Key Contenders
Jordan Peele stands out in this battle, recognized for reshaping the horror landscape with films like Get Out, Us, and NOPE. Peele also produced the 2021 revival of Candyman, and has credits in acclaimed projects including BlacKkKlansman and Monkey Man, making his involvement immediately buzzworthy. NEON and A24 occupy significant space in the independent and arthouse arena, and their entries to the genre have drawn increasing attention, making their creative partnerships particularly compelling for the franchise’s custodians. With support from industry figures such as Roy Lee and filmmakers like Bryan Bertino and Oz Perkins, the field promises a range of bold creative visions.
Awaiting Decisions That Will Shape the Franchise
As the Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s future ownership remains undecided, speculation swirls over whether Exurbia Films—the main production company holding the reins—will favor the most lucrative offer or prioritize imaginative storytelling. The outcome remains unclear, with more questions than firm answers at this stage. The industry, and fans alike, are watching closely to see whose vision will shape Leatherface’s legacy as the Texas Chainsaw Massacre faces a pivotal moment.
