Leatherface might be sharpening the chainsaw again. After nearly two years of silence following the 2022 legacy sequel, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise is once again drawing blood in industry conversations according to Deadline. Verve, which has held the rights to the property since 2017, is currently fielding pitches from multiple studios and creative teams hoping to take on the next chapter of the horror series.
One of the most talked-about packages comes from director JT Mollner and producer Roy Lee, whose recent film Strange Darling earned praise for its inventive slasher narrative. Glen Powell, fresh off box office runs in Top Gun: Maverick and Twisters, is reportedly interested in reading Mollner’s script, with potential plans to star in and produce the reboot. While nothing is confirmed, Powell’s attachment could boost the project’s chances in a crowded field of suitors that includes A24, Lionsgate, and Neon. A24’s name in particular stands out, given its track record with elevated horror and its ongoing effort to expand genre properties.
“Verve represents The Texas Chainsaw Massacre estate and is building out a multimedia strategy for the seminal horror franchise,” the rep stated. “Verve has not officially submitted the property into any filmmakers, producers or buyers. Because this is such a hot and iconic horror property, packages are pre-emptively being brought to Verve.”
Mollner and Lee’s interest could steer the franchise in a new direction. Their work on Strange Darling showed an appreciation for nonlinear storytelling and genre subversion, elements that could reinvigorate Leatherface’s long-running saga. Pairing that vision with Powell’s rising star power would mark a dramatic shift from recent entries, which failed to connect with either critics or audiences.
The original 1974 Texas Chain Saw Massacre, directed by Tobe Hooper and inspired by real-life killer Ed Gein, set a brutal new standard for horror. Its raw style, low budget, and relentless tension made it one of the most influential films of its time. Gunnar Hansen’s performance as Leatherface became iconic, and Marilyn Burns’ Sally Hardesty became a template for the final girl archetype. The franchise that followed has had more twists than a backwoods backroad, with prequels, sequels, reboots, and reimaginings stretching across five decades.
What happens next depends on which vision wins out — one that clings to past formula or one that dares to cut deeper. With major players circling and a name like Glen Powell in the mix, Texas Chainsaw may be poised for a comeback that’s louder, bloodier, and smarter than anything it’s attempted in years.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Caleb from Love and Deepspace.
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