Leatherface gets to rev up his chainsaw once again, as a new take on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is officially in the works. Marking a big change for the franchise, however, the reboot will be developed as a TV series.
Per THR, it’s been revealed that A24 acquired the rights to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre after a heated bidding war. Previously, there were rumors that actor Glen Powell was involved with a reboot, and this has turned out to be true. Powell is on board for A24’s reboot, but as an executive producer, and he’s not expected to have an on-screen role. The Long Walk writer JT Mollner is also attached to direct.
”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 about his involvement. “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.”
Kim Henkel, who co-wrote the original film alongside director Tobe Hooper, is returning to serve as an executive producer as well. Other EPs on the project are Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, Stuart Manashil, Ben Ross, and Dan Cohen. Ian Henkel and Pat Cassidy are producing.
“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,” Kim Henkel noted in a statement. “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.”
RELATED: ‘Scream 7’ Poster Pays Homage to ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’
That’s not all. It was also reported that A24 will be developing a new Texas Chainsaw Massacre feature film in addition to the TV series reboot. Less is known about the new movie, though Mollner will not be directly involved. It’s not clear if the movie will be connected to the TV show with linked storylines and actors.
Release dates haven’t been set for the TV series or feature film at this time.
