A24 Set to Revive The Texas Chain Saw Massacre with New Series and Films
The world of horror may be about to get a brutal new chapter carved into it, as acclaimed indie powerhouse A24 is reportedly close to securing the rights to the legendary The Texas Chain Saw Massacre franchise.
According to a report from Deadline, A24 has emerged as the front-runner to obtain both film and television rights to the series, beating out a host of other interested parties in what has been described as a competitive auction. While the deal has not yet been finalised, multiple sources indicate that A24 is now in “pole position” to take control of the iconic property, which would mark the studio’s first major foray into slasher territory on this scale.
A24’s Horror Credentials
A24 has built a formidable reputation in the genre world over the past decade, producing and distributing some of the most acclaimed modern horror films, including Hereditary, The Witch, Midsommar, and Talk to Me. While these films have leaned more towards psychological or folk horror, acquiring The Texas Chain Saw Massacre would allow the studio to embrace a more visceral, grindhouse style of terror.
The studio is already working on the upcoming Crystal Lake series, a prequel to Friday the 13th, and adding Leatherface to its stable would position A24 as a new force in slasher storytelling.
New Series in Development
Deadline reports that the first project planned under A24’s proposed deal would be a television series developed by JT Mollner, Roy Lee, and Glen Powell, though Powell is not expected to star. While no plot details have been revealed, the prospect of a long-form Texas Chain Saw Massacre series opens the door to exploring new corners of its nightmarish world, perhaps delving deeper into the twisted Sawyer family legacy or the psychological roots of Leatherface himself.
Roy Lee is no stranger to horror franchises, having produced recent hits like Barbarian, It, and The Ring. His involvement suggests a blend of commercial appeal with creative ambition — a hallmark of A24’s best work.
The Legacy of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
First unleashed on audiences in 1974 by Tobe Hooper, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is widely regarded as one of the most influential horror films ever made. Its raw, documentary-like style, relentless tension, and grotesque villain Leatherface left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring everything from Halloween to The Blair Witch Project.
The franchise has seen numerous sequels, reboots, and remakes over the decades, including The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986), Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), and Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013). The most recent entry was Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022), a “legacy sequel” that premiered on Netflix and brought Leatherface back decades after the original events.
While the 2022 film generated buzz upon release, it received mixed reviews and failed to ignite sustained interest, leaving the franchise in need of a bold new direction — something A24 appears perfectly poised to deliver.
Fierce Competition
The rights to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre are represented by Verve, and several other major figures reportedly showed interest, including Jordan Peele, Osgood Perkins, and Taylor Sheridan. This level of competition speaks to the enduring draw of the Leatherface mythos, which continues to fascinate audiences half a century after its birth.
Deadline notes that Roy Lee has also been exploring the possibility of producing a new Texas Chain Saw Massacre film specifically for Netflix, which could still happen under an A24-led relaunch.
What’s Next for Leatherface
If A24 secures the rights, the studio would gain control of one of horror’s oldest and most recognisable franchises, with the opportunity to completely reimagine its tone, style, and continuity. Given A24’s reputation for director-driven projects, there is a strong chance the studio would seek visionary filmmakers to put their own stamp on the mythology, much as they have done with films like The Green Knight and Pearl.
While nothing is officially confirmed, one thing is certain: if A24 does close the deal, the chainsaw will roar again — and perhaps louder than ever before.
