A24 has secured the film and television rights to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise following a competitive bidding war. The studio plans to develop a TV series directed by JT Mollner, with Glen Powell among the executive producers. A new film is also in early stages from the same team.
A24 emerged victorious in a months-long bidding war for the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise rights, as reported by Deadline. The acquisition paves the way for a TV series spearheaded by filmmaker JT Mollner, known for directing Strange Darling in 2023 and writing The Long Walk in 2025. Mollner will direct the series, which aims to explore the iconic horror property in long-form storytelling.
Glen Powell is executive producing alongside Dan Cohen through his Barnstorm banner. The production team includes executive producers Roy Lee and Steven Schneider of Spooky Pictures, Stuart Manashil, Ben Ross of Image Nation, and Kim Henkel of Exurbia Films, who co-created the original 1974 film with director Tobe Hooper. Producers Ian Henkel and Pat Cassidy of Exurbia Films, which handled the 2022 Texas Chainsaw Massacre, complete the core group.
A new film is in early development with the same producers but without Mollner's involvement. Details remain sparse, and it is unclear if it will head to Netflix as previously rumored. The rights auction was managed by Verve Talent & Literary Agency, which has represented the franchise since 2017. Bids came from notable figures including Oz Perkins, Jordan Peele, and Taylor Sheridan.
Mollner emphasized respect for the original: “I’ve said publicly that I’m not interested in remaking perfect films, and the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a perfect film. Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel created something bold, transgressive, and truly seminal that holds up even today as the gold standard for horror.” 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.”
Henkel noted A24's appeal: “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. There’s an epic tale lurking in the Chainsaw backstory.”
The 1974 original follows five youths encountering a cannibalistic family led by a masked butcher in rural Texas. The franchise has since expanded to nine films total, including 1986’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 directed by Hooper and 1995’s The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre starring Renée Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey. Additional media includes a novel, comic series, and three video games.
