One of most terrifying and gruesome horror franchises in history is making a comeback.
According to Deadline, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is returning as both a TV series and a film following a months-long bidding that drew interest from major studios and A-list horror directors.
The rights to the 1974 classic were won by A24 in September, and now a TV series is in development with filmmaker JT Mollner.
Mollner gained significant buzz on the horror scene thanks to his critically-acclaimed hit Strange Darling, before going on to write the screenplay for Stephen King’s dystopian thriller The Long Walk, which did well at the box office and was another hit with critics.
Before Mollner was attached to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre series, there was interest from horror titans Jordan Peele and Ozgood Perkins, as well as from Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan.
Kim Henkel, who co-wrote the original film, will serve as a producer.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is returning as both a TV series and a film following a months-long bidding that drew interest from major studios and A-list horror directors
The original 1974 film is considered a classic and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for its cultural significance
Also attached is A-lister Glen Powell, who is also producing the series with his production company Barnstorm. However, it’s unlikely that he will act in the project.
In a statement, Mollner hinted that the upcoming series will be a prequel exploring the backstory of the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface and his twisted family of bloodthirsty rednecks.
‘I’ve said publicly that I’m not interested in remaking perfect films, and the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a perfect film,’ he said.
‘Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel created something bold, transgressive and truly seminal that holds up even today as the gold standard for horror,’ he continued.
‘When the opportunity for a longform 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 also weighed in, calling the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre ‘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,’ gushed the Austin-born actor.
‘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.’
Glen Powell is producing the prequel series, but it’s unlikely that he will star in it
A 2003 remake of the film starring Jessica Biel grossed over $100million at the box office
A new Texas Chainsaw Massacre film is also in early development, but Mollner isn’t attached.
The last time fans saw the iconic franchise was the 2022 Netflix film, which received poor reviews from critics but managed to top the charts on the streamer.
An asymmetrical survival horror game based on the first film was also released on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S in 2023.
Turning beloved horror films into TV series seems to be the new trend in Hollywood.
It: Welcome to Derry has been a huge hit for HBO and Peacock is preparing to launch a Friday the 13th prequel series titled Crystal Lake this year.
The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre film grossed over $30million at the box office off a budget of around $140,000, instantly becoming a huge hit – despite being banned in several countries due to complaints about its brutality.
It has since become known as one of the most influential horror films of all time, and is credited with originating several elements that are now common in the slasher genre.
It spawned multiple sequels and prequels, including the 2003 remake starring Jessica Biel, which grossed over $100million at the box office.
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