Another long-held intellectual property has graced the market scene, igniting a fervent interest among producers and studios alike. Just a day after news broke that WME was shopping around the rights to Jason Bourne and other titles from Robert Ludlum's estate, whispers emerged that the esteemed horror franchise, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, was also up for grabs. While multiple parties have expressed considerable enthusiasm, it's still too early in the proceedings to discern who the key players are and where the rights will ultimately land. Nevertheless, the involvement of some high-profile names—such as Texas' beloved golden boy, Glen Powell, among others—has sparked rumors of a free-for-all bidding frenzy.
Legendary Pictures had held the reins of this iconic property since 2017 and released a film in 2022 that streamed on Netflix. Despite hopes for a sequel, it never came to fruition. The intellectual property subsequently reverted to its rightful owners, Exurbia Films, helmed by Pat Cassidy, the original film's co-screenwriter Kim Henkel, and Ian Henkel, Kim's son. They then entrusted their representative at the boutique agency Verve to navigate the rights' future.
As of now, there isn't a bidding war per se, given that no concrete package or vision for the material has been presented. However, interest is abundant, with potential collaborators huddled over prospective (emphasis on potential) ideas. One notable trio mentioned is Glen Powell, Strange Darling filmmaker J.T. Molner, and producer Roy Lee. Another big name floated around is Andy Muschietti, the mind behind the It films.
The 1974 original remains a genre icon. The narrative—a group of friends encountering a cannibalistic family, led by the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface—was one draw. The graphic violence was another, leading to bans in various states and countries. And let's not forget the business side: director Tobe Hooper crafted the film for less than $300,000 and turned it into one of the most profitable movies ever, raking in $31 million worldwide at the box office.
The intense interest in Texas Chainsaw underscores the immense value of intellectual properties not tied down by a media giant. It also highlights horror's enduring popularity as a genre that commands attention on both big and small screens. Earlier this year, studios engaged in a fierce bidding war for Resident Evil, another horror property that briefly hit the market before landing at Sony.
