The iconic Texas Chainsaw Massacre horror franchise is making waves in Hollywood once again, with the rights to the long-running series now available for acquisition. The news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, drawing interest from top producers and major studios eager to capitalize on the value of the franchise.
This comes just one day after it was revealed that WME is shopping the rights to the Jason Bourne series and titles from the Robert Ludlum estate. Now, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre rights are on the market, and while discussions are still in the early stages, several high-profile names have already been mentioned as potential players, including rising star Glen Powell and It filmmaker Andy Muschietti. With so much buzz surrounding the opportunity, industry insiders are speculating that it could turn into a competitive “free-for-all” as parties jockey for the chance to revive this iconic horror series.
A Storied Franchise with Endless Potential
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise has long held a special place in horror history. The original 1974 film, directed by Tobe Hooper, is considered one of the most influential and terrifying horror movies of all time. It introduced the world to Leatherface, the chainsaw-wielding maniac who has since become an icon of the genre. The film’s brutal violence and disturbing imagery caused it to be banned in several states and countries, but it went on to gross over $31 million at the global box office, a staggering sum given its production budget of less than $300,000.
The franchise has since spawned numerous sequels, remakes, and reboots, but its cultural relevance remains undiminished. The most recent film, a 2022 sequel released on Netflix, was produced by Legendary Pictures, which held the rights to the property since 2017. However, despite hopes for a follow-up, a sequel never materialized, and the rights to the franchise have now reverted to Exurbia Films, which is run by Kim Henkel, co-screenwriter of the original film, along with his son Ian Henkel and Pat Cassidy.
Exurbia Films has now turned to Verve, a boutique talent agency, to represent the franchise, opening the door for potential buyers. At this stage, there is no formal bidding war for the rights, but there is significant interest from a number of parties who are exploring the potential for new adaptations or sequels.
Potential Collaborations and High-Profile Names in the Mix
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Though it’s still early days, some prominent names have already emerged as possible contenders to bring Texas Chainsaw Massacre back to the screen. One potential collaboration being discussed involves Glen Powell, the Top Gun: Maverick star, who could team up with filmmaker J.T. Molner of Strange Darling and producer Roy Lee. Powell has become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors, and his involvement in the project could generate significant buzz, especially among younger audiences who are drawn to his growing body of work.
Another notable name in the mix is Andy Muschietti, the Argentine filmmaker behind the successful It films. Muschietti’s involvement would undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to the franchise, potentially attracting both horror fans and mainstream moviegoers alike. Muschietti’s previous successes with It and It Chapter Two have solidified his reputation as a director capable of reviving classic horror properties and making them accessible to a modern audience.
The interest from these filmmakers highlights the lasting appeal of Texas Chainsaw Massacre as a franchise, as well as the enduring popularity of the horror genre in today’s entertainment landscape. With horror continuing to dominate both box offices and streaming platforms, there’s little doubt that a new Texas Chainsaw Massacre project would attract significant attention.
The Value of Unlocked IP
The fact that the Texas Chainsaw Massacre rights are available at all underscores the ongoing value of intellectual property (IP) that is not controlled by major media conglomerates. As more studios focus on building franchise-driven content, properties like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which have a long history and a dedicated fan base, represent significant assets that can be developed and expanded for new generations of viewers.
In recent years, the horror genre has experienced a resurgence, with films like Get Out, A Quiet Place, and Scream proving that audiences are hungry for well-crafted, suspenseful horror experiences. The success of these films has proven that horror can be both commercially viable and critically acclaimed, making it an attractive option for studios looking to tap into a lucrative market. This is exemplified by the recent bidding war over the Resident Evil franchise, which briefly hit the market before landing at Sony. With Texas Chainsaw Massacre now available, it seems that horror franchises are more in demand than ever before.
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What’s Next for the Franchise?
While it remains to be seen who will ultimately secure the rights to Texas Chainsaw Massacre, one thing is clear: the franchise’s potential is far from exhausted. The iconic imagery of Leatherface and the original film’s chilling atmosphere still resonate with audiences today, and there’s ample opportunity to explore new directions for the series, whether through reboots, sequels, or even entirely new iterations of the story.
As the discussions unfold and more details emerge, fans of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise are eagerly awaiting news of its future. With major interest from key players in Hollywood, it’s only a matter of time before the chainsaw-wielding maniac makes his return to the screen.
