Get ready for a spine-chilling revival of one of horror’s most iconic franchises—The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is coming back, and this time it’s not just on the big screen. A24, the powerhouse studio known for its boundary-pushing projects, has secured the rights to both a TV series and a new film, sparking excitement and curiosity among fans and industry insiders alike. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a modern adaptation truly honor the raw, unrelenting terror of the 1974 original, or will it risk diluting the legacy of Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel’s masterpiece? Let’s dive in.
After a fierce, months-long bidding war, A24 emerged as the victor, according to Deadline. The studio has tapped JT Mollner, the visionary behind Strange Darling and The Long Walk, to spearhead the TV series. Mollner’s approach? Not a remake, but a long-form exploration of the Chainsaw universe—a bold move that aims to honor the franchise’s folklore while carving out new, unsettling territory. And this is the part most people miss: Mollner isn’t just a fan; he’s a self-proclaimed purist who believes the original film is perfect. So, how will he expand on perfection without tarnishing it? That’s the million-dollar question.
The project boasts an all-star producing team, including Glen Powell (via Barnstorm), Roy Lee (Weapons), Steven Schneider (Paranormal Activity), Stuart Manashil (His House), Ben Ross (Late Night with the Devil), and Kim Henkel, the co-creator of the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Exurbia Films’ Ian Henkel and Pat Cassidy, who worked on the 2022 installment, will produce. Meanwhile, a new film is also in early development, though Mollner isn’t attached to that project. Will it land on Netflix as rumored? Only time will tell.
The auction, managed by Verve (the franchise’s rights holder since 2017), attracted heavy hitters like Oz Perkins, Jordan Peele, and Taylor Sheridan, proving just how coveted this property remains. But A24’s track record with genre-defying films and its willingness to let artists take risks made it the ideal choice, according to Henkel. Bold statement alert: Henkel believes there’s an epic tale lurking in the Chainsaw backstory—one that could redefine horror for a new generation. But will fans embrace this new chapter, or will it spark backlash from purists?
Mollner himself puts it best: ‘When the opportunity for a long-form exploration into this world arose, I saw it as a fresh way in, as well as a way to honor the existing folklore.’ Powell echoes this sentiment, calling the original film ‘one of my favorite films’ and praising A24 as the perfect home for this revival. But here’s the kicker: can a studio known for arthouse and indie darlings truly capture the visceral, grindhouse essence of the original? Or will this be a polished, sanitized version of the Chainsaw legacy?
For the uninitiated, the 1974 film is a genre-defining masterpiece: a harrowing tale of five youths who fall prey to a masked butcher and his cannibalistic family in rural Texas. Its raw, low-budget aesthetic and unflinching brutality set a new standard for horror—one that has endured for nearly five decades. Now, as A24 prepares to reintroduce this world, the question remains: will they stay true to the spirit of the original, or will they play it safe? And more importantly, what do you think? Is this revival a dream come true, or a risky gamble? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate horror fans won’t want to miss.
