A New ‘Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ TV Series and Film Is in the Works From A24

Summary

• A24 has successfully acquired the rights to the iconic Texas Chain Saw Massacre franchise following a competitive multi-month bidding war
• Actor Glen Powell will serve as an executive producer via his Barnstorm banner alongside Strange Darling filmmaker JT Mollner who is set to direct
• The development plan includes a long-form television series followed by a new feature film currently in early stages of production

A24 is officially heading to the backwoods of Texas. The studio behind Hereditary, Talk to Me and Ti West’s X-Pearl-MaXXXine trilogy has secured the rights to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, announcing a major multimedia expansion of the legendary slasher franchise. In a move that unites high-brow horror with Hollywood’s most sought-after talent, Glen Powell has joined the project as an executive producer, while breakout director JT Mollner is attached to helm the initial television series.

The collaboration aims to offer a “fresh way in” to the folklore established by Tobe Hooper’s 1974 masterpiece. “I’ve said publicly that I’m not interested in remaking perfect films, and the original  Texas Chain Saw Massacre  is a perfect film,” Mollner shared in a statement. “[Director and co-writer] Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel created something bold, transgressive, and truly seminal that holds up even today as the gold standard for horror. When the opportunity for a long form exploration into this world arose, I saw it as a fresh way in, as well as a way to honor the existing folklore. I can’t imagine better partners for this approach 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.”

Joining Powell and Mollner is a heavyweight production team including Roy Lee of Spooky Pictures and Kim Henkel, the co-creator of the original 1974 film. While Powell is a proud Texan and a vocal fan of the franchise, he is currently only slated to work behind the scenes in a producing capacity.

“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,” Henkel said. “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 news follows A24’s growing investment in legacy horror, as the studio continues production on its Friday the 13th prequel series, Crystal Lake.

Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming projects.