Glen Powell's enthusiasm for Texas is evident in his pivotal role in revitalizing the iconic Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise.
Glen Powell is making strides to rejuvenate one of cinema’s most infamous franchises, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. His deep connection to Texas underscores his commitment to reviving a cultural legacy that has significantly influenced the horror genre. The acclaimed production company A24 will oversee the next chapter of this iconic series, which aims to delve into new, unexplored aspects of its chilling narrative.
After a competitive bidding process lasting several months, A24 has secured the rights to the franchise, heralding an exciting new era. Glen Powell will collaborate with his partner Dan Cohen from Barnstorm, serving as an executive producer for the first project that emerges from this partnership. This initiative includes a TV series directed by the innovative filmmaker JT Mollner, recognized for his works such as Strange Darling and The Long Walk.
A24’s announcement underscores the excitement surrounding the revival of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre brand. Multiple studios have shown interest in this iconic franchise. The agency Verve has played a crucial role in facilitating discussions between A24 and Exurbia Films. Their objective is to create a strategic plan that enhances the franchise while preserving its storied legacy. This partnership focuses on more than just content production; it aims to protect the heritage of a film that transformed the horror genre.
The line-up of executive producers for the upcoming project includes notable industry veterans such as Roy Lee and Steven Schneider from Spooky Pictures, alongside Stuart Manashil and Ben Ross from Image Nation. Additionally, Kim Henkel, co-creator of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre with Tobe Hooper, adds significant expertise to the team. Henkel expressed enthusiasm for A24’s dedication to innovating within the genre, stating, “It was a tough choice, but A24’s track record with daring artistic projects made them a standout partner for this venture.”
Powell expressed his admiration for the original film, stating, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre defined an era of horror films. Even after over fifty years, it remains a cornerstone of my home state’s cinematic identity.” His enthusiasm is evident as he anticipates collaborating with A24 and the visionary Mollner. He highlighted the potential for innovative storytelling within this cherished franchise.
Under the direction of Mollner, the upcoming series is set to explore the unsettling lore of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Although a film adaptation is also in development, Mollner has emphasized his intention to avoid recreating the original classic. “I’m not interested in remaking a perfect film. The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre is just that—a flawless work of art,” he remarked. His vision seeks to honor the groundbreaking work of Hooper and Henkel while expanding the narrative in fresh and relevant ways.
The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre film, released in 1974, is widely regarded as a groundbreaking horror classic. It intertwines themes of cannibalism and inbreeding within a narrative that feels disturbingly real. Since then, the franchise has expanded to include multiple films, comics, a novel, and video games, each adding complexity to its mythology. However, the most recent film installment, released by Netflix in, struggled to garner positive reviews, highlighting the difficulties of revitalizing such a storied franchise.
As fans prepare for the upcoming series, there is anticipation for a renewed exploration of the franchise’s haunting narrative. With A24’s commitment to artistic integrity and a skilled production team, the future of this iconic horror series looks promising. The genre is poised to witness a new chapter that may redefine the essence of true terror.