The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise is set to roar back to life as A24 has secured the rights to develop a new television series, following an intense months-long bidding war. Hollywood actor Glen Powell is partnering with writer JT Mollner and A24 to reboot the iconic horror saga, while a new film installment is also reportedly in early development to expand the Leatherface storyline.
Glen Powell Leads Production on the New Texas Chainsaw Massacre Series
According to reports from Variety, Glen Powell takes on the role of executive producer alongside Dan Cohen at their Barnstorm Productions. Powell has recently accelerated his producing career, securing a first-look deal with Universal Pictures after the success of Twisters and adding an action sci-fi thriller for Amazon to his production slate. Yet, it is his involvement with Texas Chainsaw Massacre that seems especially significant to him. In a statement, Powell praised the original film, calling it one of his favorites and highlighting its cultural importance in horror and his home state.
“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
Collaboration of Veteran and Emerging Talent Gives the Franchise New Energy
The project also enlists several executive producers renowned in horror and film production. Roy Lee and Steven Schneider of Spooky Pictures, who have previously worked with writer-director JT Mollner on Strange Darling and The Long Walk, are involved in the new series. Stuart Manashil, Ben Ross of Image Nation, and Kim Henkel from Exurbia Films are contributing as well. Kim Henkel notably co-wrote the original 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre film that initiated the franchise. Kim’s son, Ian Henkel of Exurbia Films, together with Pat Cassidy, will also be producing the series.
While the TV series commands the personal interest of JT Mollner, with his visionary approach shaping the storytelling, a new film is simultaneously in early stages of creation with much of the same producing team and Image Nation’s involvement, although Mollner is not attached to the movie project. This dual approach ensures the Leatherface saga will continue to evolve across multiple formats, expanding its reach to fans old and new.
A New Direction for a Legendary Horror Franchise
The involvement of Glen Powell and the seasoned team signals a fresh and ambitious take on the Texas Chainsaw Massacre universe, blending respect for the classic origins with modern storytelling sensibilities. With A24’s reputation for distinctive and boundary-pushing films and series, the upcoming television adaptation is poised to revitalize the franchise while appealing to both loyal horror aficionados and new audiences.
The series aims to offer a new perspective on the terror familiar to fans, possibly exploring untold stories or reimagining elements that have defined the franchise for decades. As the creative team moves forward, anticipation builds over how this iteration will expand the legend of Leatherface and his chilling legacy.
With Glen Powell’s growing influence in production and A24’s dedication to innovative content, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre TV series represents a promising chapter in horror entertainment, setting the stage for the franchise’s next generation of scares and storytelling.
