Glen Powell is generating excitement about the upcoming reboot of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise, announcing his deep involvement in the project. The reboot, being developed by A24, aims to revitalize the iconic horror series that began in 1974 and now includes nine films, centered around the infamous chainsaw-wielding killer Leatherface and his brutal Texas family. Powell will serve as an executive producer while the series is led by The Long Walk screenwriter JT Mollner.
The partnership between Powell and A24 follows the company’s acquisition of the franchise rights. A24 is well-known for producing distinctive films, and their expansion into this legendary horror universe marks a major new chapter for Texas Chainsaw Massacre fans.
Powell’s Perspective on the Project and Possible Onscreen Role
During a recent red carpet interview for his new A24 film How to Make a Killing, Glen Powell hinted at what’s to come with the reboot but remained non-committal about acting in the series.
“we have something really fun ahead,”
Powell said when discussing the project.
Regarding whether he might portray the infamous Leatherface, Powell gave an open-ended but cautious response:
“You never know, but as of now…. I really think it’s probably just something for [my production company] Barnstorm to produce, but I’m definitely going to be very involved.”
— Glen Powell, Executive Producer
This suggests his contribution will primarily be behind the scenes, rather than as a cast member, at least for now.
Powell acknowledged the significance of the franchise in horror cinema, describing Texas Chainsaw as
“one of the most brilliant horror movies”
that helped define the genre during its era. He praised the passionate team assembled around the reboot, including JT Mollner and other creatives, emphasizing their “really strong vision” and shared commitment to the project’s success.
Context of the Texas Chainsaw Franchise and Its Revival
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre series follows the terrifying acts of Leatherface, a mute killer wielding a chainsaw, and his family’s gruesome legacy. The character’s traditional portrayal as an extremely tall, broad figure makes Powell—a man of different build—an unlikely candidate to play Leatherface, reinforcing his current focus on producing.
This reboot, crafted as a television series, promises a new exploration of the horror legend from fresh creative angles, honored by the involvement of original rights holders and emerging talents. Bringing the story to TV extends the franchise’s reach and updates the saga for contemporary audiences while retaining the foundational terror.
Powell’s Career Transition from Actor to Producer
Glen Powell’s role as an executive producer marks a notable shift toward more control behind the camera. Although he gained early recognition playing Chad Radwell, the charismatic frat president in Ryan Murphy’s horror-comedy series Scream Queens, Powell has not worked in the horror genre since the show ended in 2016. A potential cameo in the Texas Chainsaw reboot could symbolically reconnect him to the genre that gave his career a boost.
So far, Powell’s production credits often involve projects where he also appears, like Richard Linklater’s Hit Man and the Hulu comedy Chad Powers. His choice to concentrate on production for Texas Chainsaw suggests he is eager to foster projects featuring a wider variety of actors and stories outside of his personal acting roles.
Expanding Horizons Amid Multiple Upcoming Releases
Powell’s less visible but influential role in the Texas Chainsaw reboot could point to a broader career evolution, where he balances starring roles with fostering other creative voices. Alongside this reboot, he is involved in several projects, including J.J. Abrams’ sci-fi film The Great Beyond and an untitled Judd Apatow comedy, both of which keep him prominent onscreen.
His behind-the-scenes efforts with Texas Chainsaw also demonstrate his growing footprint in the industry, potentially bringing new life to classic horror while supporting diverse talent. This reboot may serve as an important milestone for the franchise and for Powell’s expanding career as a producer and creative leader.
