Imagine one of the most iconic horror franchises getting a modern reboot, but with a twist: the producer himself might step into the role of its most terrifying character. Could Glen Powell, the star of Twisters and Top Gun: Maverick, become the next Leatherface? It’s a question that’s sparking curiosity and debate among fans. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Powell is executive producing A24’s upcoming Texas Chainsaw Massacre reboot, he’s not ruling out the possibility of starring in it—though he’s playing it coy for now.
Earlier this month, A24 made waves by acquiring the rights to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a franchise that has haunted audiences since its 1974 debut. The studio plans to kick things off with a TV series, with a movie potentially following in its footsteps. Powell, alongside Dan Cohen’s Barnstorm banner, is leading the charge as an executive producer. JT Mollner, known for Strange Darling and The Long Walk, is set to direct the series, though he’s not attached to the film.
But this is the part most people miss: Powell’s involvement isn’t just behind the camera. In a recent interview (via FearHQ.com), he gushed about the franchise’s impact: ‘Texas Chainsaw is, I think, one of the most brilliant horror movies ever made. It defined the genre and was a cornerstone of its era. A24 is creating something truly special here.’ When asked about playing Leatherface, he didn’t shut the door entirely: ‘You never know, but for now, I’m focused on producing. Still, I’ll be very involved.’
Here’s the bold question: Would Powell’s star power elevate the reboot, or would it distract from the franchise’s gritty roots? After The Running Man underperformed, a high-profile role like Leatherface could be a game-changer for him. But let’s not forget the legacy of those who’ve worn the mask before—from Gunnar Hansen to Mark Burnham—each bringing their own twist to the character. Could Powell bring something new to the table, or is this a role best left to horror specialists?
The reboot’s creative team is stacked, with Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, and even Kim Henkel, co-writer of the original film, on board. And with the success of origin-story series like Crystal Lake (set before Friday the 13th), fans are eager to see how Leatherface’s backstory unfolds here. But here’s the real controversy: Is Hollywood over-relying on reboots, or is this a fresh take on a classic?
What do you think? Should Powell take on the role of Leatherface, or is he better suited behind the scenes? Let’s debate in the comments—this is one horror story where the audience gets to write the ending.
