Taylor Sheridan has created a television empire in recent years, with the Yellowstone creator’s portfolio only growing with new projects. Meanwhile, Jordan Peele has established himself as one of the most unique directorial voices, especially in the horror genre.
As a result, fans of one franchise must get really excited as the two creators lock horns over its rights. According to reports, Sheridan and Peele are set to join a bidding war over the rights to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise. Here is how the bidding war could forever change the $247 million franchise.
Taylor Sheridan and Jordan Peele to bid for the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise started with the Tobe Hooper-directed 1974 original movie. It primarily revolves around Leatherface, who uses a chainsaw to terrorize visitors and engages in cannibalistic activities in the desolate Texas countryside.
The franchise has nine feature film installments, which grossed $247 million (via The Numbers) over the years, becoming one of the most prominent horror franchises of all time. Its ninth and most recent installment was released in 2022, which dropped directly on Netflix to mostly negative reviews.
According to a new report from Deadline, Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan and Nope director Jordan Peele are set to bid for rights to the franchise. The bidding war will be administered by Verve, an agency that has represented the rights since 2017.
The latest report noted that Sheridan, who has created a television empire in the last five years, is one of the frontrunners for the rights. However, he will likely only be involved with the project as a producer. Similarly, Peele is also expected to only produce the potential tenth installment through his company, Monkeypaw.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre bidding is already changing the franchise
While Sheridan and Peele are arguably two of the biggest creative parties aiming for the franchise’s rights. However, other parties are also reportedly interested in the rights, including Longlegs filmmaker Osgood Perkins, vying for the rights alongside Neon (via Deadline).
Meanwhile, A Minecraft Movie producer, Roy Lee, is reportedly also working with J.T. Mollner for a television version set up at A24, with Glen Powell also attached. Should A24 secure the rights, this version of the project could also move forward, taking the franchise in a new direction.
As a result, it is safe to say that aside from Sheridan, every other party fighting for the rights is arguably the best in the horror space. Meanwhile, Sheridan’s Western aesthetics could also blend with the franchise’s Texas setting. Therefore, it is easy to see why the reports described the producer as a frontrunner.
Ultimately, the bidding war is likely to change the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise forever. With distinct creative voices like Peel and Perkins, and a potential TV series, with a star like Powell, could reinvigorate interest in the IP, elevating it from a pulpy slasher saga to a more complex and layered horror tale.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) is currently streaming on Netflix.
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