The terrifying legacy of one of cinema's most gruesome horror franchises is poised for a dramatic revival. According to industry reports, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is set to return through both a television series and a new film project, following an intense months-long bidding war that captured the attention of major Hollywood studios and acclaimed horror directors.
A24 Secures Iconic Horror Rights
In a significant move for the genre, independent studio A24 secured the rights to the 1974 classic in September. The acquisition has now paved the way for a television series currently in development under the creative guidance of filmmaker JT Mollner. Mollner has rapidly gained recognition within horror circles following his critically-acclaimed feature Strange Darling, and further solidified his reputation by writing the screenplay for Stephen King's dystopian thriller The Long Walk, which achieved both commercial success and critical praise.
High-Profile Interest and Production Team
Before Mollner's attachment to the project, several prominent figures expressed interest in reviving the franchise. Horror titans Jordan Peele and Ozgood Perkins, alongside Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, were reportedly among those drawn to the property. The production will benefit from the involvement of Kim Henkel, who co-wrote the original landmark film and will serve as a producer on the new series.
Adding considerable star power to the project is A-lister Glen Powell, who will produce through his production company Barnstorm. The Austin-born actor has publicly expressed his deep admiration for the original film, describing it as "one of my favorite films" and noting how it "defined a generation of horror." However, it is currently considered unlikely that Powell will take on an acting role within the series.
Exploring Leatherface's Origins
In a revealing statement, Mollner hinted that the upcoming television series will function as a prequel, delving into the dark backstory of the chainsaw-wielding antagonist Leatherface and his macabre family. "I've said publicly that I'm not interested in remaking perfect films, and the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a perfect film," Mollner stated. He praised creators Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel for crafting something "bold, transgressive and truly seminal" that continues to set the "gold standard for horror."
Mollner views the longform television format as a "fresh way in" to honour the existing folklore of the franchise, expressing confidence in his partnership with A24. Powell echoed this sentiment, calling the collaboration with A24 and Mollner a "dream team" for such an iconic property.
Franchise Legacy and Cultural Impact
The original 1974 film is widely regarded as a horror masterpiece. Its cultural significance was formally recognised when it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry. Produced on a shoestring budget of approximately $140,000, it grossed over $30 million at the box office, becoming an instant phenomenon despite being banned in several countries due to its intense brutality.
The film's influence is profound; it is credited with originating several key elements that later became staples of the slasher genre. Its success spawned numerous sequels, prequels, and remakes, including the 2003 version starring Jessica Biel, which grossed over $100 million worldwide. The franchise's most recent outing was a 2022 Netflix film that, despite poor critical reviews, managed to top the streaming service's charts. Additionally, a 2023 asymmetrical survival horror video game based on the film was released across multiple platforms.
A New Trend in Horror Adaptation
The revival of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre as a series aligns with a broader Hollywood trend of expanding beloved horror film franchises into television. This movement includes HBO's successful It: Welcome to Derry and the upcoming Peacock prequel series Crystal Lake, based on Friday the 13th.
Separately, a new Texas Chainsaw Massacre film is also in early development, though Mollner is not currently attached to that project. The dual revival strategy underscores the enduring power and commercial potential of this iconic horror brand, promising to introduce Leatherface's terrifying world to a new generation of audiences.
