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.
Two weeks ago, it was officially announced 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.
In a new interview, Powell took a moment to let us know that this TV series going to be something really special.
Statements
When the announcement was made, 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.”
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.“
Something Special
Variety caught up with Powell to get some more information on the project, and he told them, “Texas Chainsaw is, I think, one of the most brilliant horror movies. It defined the genre and really was such a part of that era, and I feel that A24 is a place that’s really making such special things, and they’re such a custodian and guardian of quality. We just really talked to the rights holders. JT Mollner and we have some other creatives around it that are just so passionate about what we’re doing, they have a really strong vision. Everybody around it really cares, and when you have that sort of group mentality protecting something like that – I care about it, everybody cares about it. I know we’re going to do something really special with it, so I’m feeling very very good. It was a long process to get there, but I know we have something really fun ahead.“
Powell is not currently expected to have an acting role in the series. He’s producing this one and will be “very involved” behind the scenes.
Are you looking forward to seeing what Glen Powell and his collaborators do with the Texas Chainsaw Massacre TV series? Share your thoughts on this one by leaving a comment below.
