The rumors can finally be put to rest. Glen Powell has broken his silence on the highly anticipated Texas Chainsaw Massacre reboot, and while he is deeply involved in bringing the iconic horror franchise back to screens, he will not be stepping into the shoes (or work boots) of the infamous killer, Leatherface.
The 37-year-old Twisters and Top Gun: Maverick star confirmed his attachment to the project in a recent interview, but he also made it clear that his role is behind the camera, not in front of it. Despite not starring, Powell is brimming with excitement about the direction of the franchise, assuring fans that the creative team is assembling something truly memorable.
Glen Powell’s Role: Producer, Not Leatherface
After weeks of speculation and rumors swirling online about whether the Texas native would be taking on the terrifying role of Leatherface, Powell has set the record straight. In a conversation with Collider, the actor clarified that his involvement is strictly through his production company, Barnstorm.
“Well, I’m just producing it with Barnstorm. I’m not starring in it,” Powell stated, definitively ending the chatter about him donning the chainsaw .
However, just because he isn’t acting in the project doesn’t mean his passion for it is any less. In a separate interview, Powell spoke at length about why he wanted to get involved with the legendary franchise. He emphasized that the project is in incredibly safe hands with director JT Mollner and the prestigious indie studio A24 .
“The creators are passionate about the project. They have a very strong vision. Everybody around really care,” Powell explained. “When you have that sort of group mentality protecting something like that; I care about it everybody cares about it” .
He acknowledged the long and careful process it took to get the rights and the creative team in place, but he is confident the wait will be worth it. “I know we’re going to do something really special with it,” Powell said. “I’m feeling very very good. It was a long process to get there, but I know we have something really fun ahead” .
A24 Enters the Horror Franchise Game
This new chapter for The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is not just another quick sequel. After a intense bidding war that drew interest from major players like Jordan Peele and Taylor Sheridan, the independent powerhouse A24 won the rights to the franchise . Known for critically acclaimed and boundary-pushing horror films like Hereditary, Midsommar, and The Witch, A24’s involvement signals a creative, prestige approach to the material.
The plan is ambitious. According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, A24 is developing both a television series and a separate film . The first project out of the gate will be the TV series, which will be directed by JT Mollner, the filmmaker behind Strange Darling and the writer of the Stephen King adaptation The Long Walk .
Mollner has been very clear about his intentions. He is not interested in remaking the 1974 classic, which he, along with many fans and critics, considers a perfect film. Instead, he sees the series format as a way to dig deeper into the mythology.
“I’ve said publicly that I’m not interested in remaking perfect films, and the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a perfect film,” Mollner said in a statement. “Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel created something bold, transgressive and truly seminal that holds up even today as the gold standard for horror. When the idea for a long form exploration into this world came to me, I saw it as a fresh way in, as well to honor and build on the existing folklore” .
Kim Henkel, who co-wrote the original 1974 film with Tobe Hooper, is also involved as a producer on the series. He echoed the excitement about the new direction, hinting at a larger story to be told. “There’s an epic tale lurking in the Chainsaw backstory,” Henkel noted .
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Why Glen Powell is the Right Producer for the Job
For Glen Powell, this project is deeply personal. As an Austin, Texas native, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a piece of his home state’s history.
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is one of my favorite films,” Powell said in a statement. “It defined a generation of horror films and over half a century after its release, it remains one of the definitive movies of my home state. I’m honored to have Barnstorm help bring in a new chapter for such an iconic title and franchise” .
Powell’s producing partner, Dan Cohen, is also on board, and together they are joining a powerhouse team of executive producers that includes Roy Lee (The Ring, It), Steven Schneider (Paranormal Activity), and Stuart Manashil .
While a film is also in early development, it is currently separate from the series, with Mollner not attached to that project. Details on the plot for either project remain under wraps, but the combination of A24’s track record, Mollner’s vision, and Powell’s producing muscle has set the horror community abuzz.
For now, fans eager to see Powell suit up for a scare will have to wait for his other projects, such as the upcoming thriller The Running Man or How to Make a Killing alongside Margaret Qualley. But when it comes to Leatherface, Powell will be watching from the producer’s chair, ensuring the chainsaw’s roar is as terrifying as ever.
For more updates on Hollywood reboots and horror franchise news, keep checking back with VvipTimes for the latest developments.
