Studio A24 Launches Series and Film Based on Cult Franchise 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre'

A renowned film company is undertaking the reboot of one of the most iconic horror franchises of all time—in both a television series and a feature film format.

The cult horror franchise 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' is coming back to life. Studio A24 has officially begun work on a new chapter of the legendary series, having acquired the rights for both television and film adaptations. The first project will be a television series led by director JT Mollner. Concurrently, a feature film is in early development, produced by the same team in collaboration with ImageNation.

The new chapter of the franchise promises to blend traditional slasher horror with contemporary cinematic approaches and attention to detail, while preserving the spirit of the original 1974 film.

The Path of Rights and Franchise Bidding

A24 acquired the franchise rights back in September through an auction organized by the Verve agency. Competition for the adaptation of the cult horror was intense, with several studios and notable creative teams participating in the bidding. The Verve agency has represented the rights to 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' since 2017, and the primary producer for the new project is Exurbia Films.

A feature film is being developed in parallel with the series. However, JT Mollner is not involved in this project, and the cast and crew have not yet been finalized. It also remains unclear whether the film will be available on Netflix, as previously reported.

Franchise History and Its Success

The original 1974 film was made on a budget of just $140,000 and distributed by the Bryanston Distributing Company, known for the scandalous and successful 1972 film 'Deep Throat.' The movie earned $31 million at the global box office, although the creators never received a significant share of the profits.

In 1983, the distribution rights for the entire franchise, comprising nine films, were transferred to New Line Cinema, which ultimately earned over $252 million from it. Beyond films, the franchise has spawned comics, novels, and video games, evolving into a full-fledged horror cultural phenomenon.

What to Expect from the New Project

The new iteration of 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' promises both a tribute to the classic and a modern perspective on the genre. The television series under Mollner's direction will focus on creating the tense atmosphere characteristic of slashers and delving into the psychological aspects of the characters. The feature film, in turn, may tell a separate story while retaining recognizable elements of the franchise without directly repeating the events of the original.

Fans of the genre can expect fresh horror ideas, quality direction, and potentially a new take on the cult story that has remained a symbol of American slasher cinema for over 50 years.