Last year, it was revealed that Legendary Pictures, the company behind the 2022 Texas Chainsaw Massacre film that was released through the Netflix streaming service, had let their rights to make new films in the franchise lapse, so Verve, which currently represents the rights, are looking to “build out a multimedia strategy” for the franchise, with filmmakers, producers, and buyers looking to get involved. It was said that writer/director JT Mollner (Strange Darling) and producer Roy Lee (It) were among the interested parties, teaming up with A24 for a TV series pitch that had actor Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) hoping to read the script. Five months ago, A24 came out the winner of that bidding war.
Now, it’s official. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that there’s a Texas Chainsaw Massacre TV series in the works at A24, with Glen Powell serving as an executive producer alongside Roy Lee and Steven Schneider of Spooky Pictures, Stuart Manashil, Image Nation’s Ben Ross, Powell’s producing partner Dan Cohen of Barnstorm, and Exurbia Films’ Kim Henkel, who co-wrote the original film and produced several of follow-ups, in addition to writing and directing Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation. Exurbia’s Ian Henkel and Pat Cassidy are producing. JT Mollner is attached to direct.
Statements
Mollner told The Hollywood Reporter, “I’ve said publicly that I’m not interested in remaking perfect films, and the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a perfect film. I have so much reverence for [director and co-writer] Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel because they created something bold, transgressive, and truly seminal that holds up even today as the gold standard for horror. When the idea for a long form exploration into this world came to me, I saw it as a fresh way in, as well to honor and build on the existing folklore. It’s the only way I wanted to do it — and I can’t imagine better partners for this concept than A24. This is truly an honor.“
Powell added, “The Texas Chain Saw 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.” Powell is not expected to have an acting role in the series. He’s staying behind the scenes on this one.
Kim Henkel had this to say about the deal: “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. Plus, we believe having a great creative and producing team — JT Mollner, Roy Lee, Dan Cohen and Glen Powell — in place gives us the best shot at a series that could be genuinely eye-opening and unexpected. There’s an epic tale lurking in the Chainsaw backstory.“
This is the second major horror franchise to get the TV treatment from A24, as the company is also behind the Friday the 13th prequel series Crystal Lake, which recently wrapped production on its first season. The Hollywood Reporter notes that the TV series isn’t the only Chainsaw project in the works, as Exurbia and ImageNation are also in early development on a new Texas Chainsaw Massacre film.
Are you glad to hear that A24, Glen Powell, and JT Mollner are moving forward with a Texas Chainsaw Massacre TV series? Share your thoughts on this one by leaving a comment below.
The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.
What’s Not Allowed