Leatherface is getting a high-brow makeover, and honestly, we’re here for it. After what sounds like a pretty intense bidding war, A24 has officially snagged the rights to the legendary The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise, Variety reports.
If you know A24, you know they don’t really do “basic.” They’re the studio behind Hereditary and Pearl. So bringing their “elevated horror” touch to the dusty, blood-soaked roads of Texas is a match made in cinematic heaven.
The Game Plan: TV First, Movies Later
A24 isn’t wasting any time. Instead of just dropping another sequel into theaters, they’re starting with a TV series. JT Mollner is stepping behind the camera for the show. He’s been on a hot streak with Strange Darling and The Long Walk. So, he’s got the gritty credentials to handle a chainsaw-wielding maniac.
While the show is the priority, Variety reports that a new feature film is also in early stages of development. Mollner isn’t currently attached to the movie, but the same heavy-hitter production team is steering both ships.
A Texas-Sized Team
This project has some serious star power behind the scenes. Glen Powell—who is basically everywhere right now—is serving as an executive producer through his Barnstorm banner.
He’s joined by a “who’s who” of horror veterans, including Roy Lee (It) and Steven Schneider (Paranormal Activity). Most importantly for the purists? Kim Henkel, the man who co-wrote the original 1974 masterpiece with Tobe Hooper, is involved to ensure the franchise’s legacy remains intact.
A Legacy of Gore
For those who need a refresher, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre isn’t just a movie; it’s a horror institution. Since the original shocked the world in ’74, we’ve seen nine films, from the terrifying original to the 1995 sequel (The Next Generation), which starred then-unknowns Renée Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey. The IP has expanded into novels, comics, and three video games. And you can expect more to come.
A24’s goal here is to “protect the legacy” while giving it a fresh, modern spin. Considering their track record for making beautiful, disturbing art, Leatherface is probably in the best hands he’s been in for decades.
