Lionsgate announced today that The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D, the next installment in the long standing franchise, is set to commence production. The film is a collaboration between Lionsgate and frequent production partner Nu Image, with Lionsgate assuming U.S. distribution rights and Nu Image handling international sales beginning at the Cannes Film Festival. The announcement was made jointly by Joe Drake, President of Lionsgate's Motion Picture Group, Mike Paseornek, President of Motion Picture Development and Production, and Jason Constantine, Lionsgate's President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions.

John Luessenhop (Takers) is in discussions to direct the film, which is to be produced by Carl Mazzocone. Production is slated to begin in June, 2011. Mazzocone, who served as President of Production at Twisted Pictures for four years before returning to independent producing, pursued the underlying rights to the property and ultimately secured an overall deal to make up to six future sequels. Nu Image's Avi Lerner and Mark Burg will be executive producing.

Said Paseornek of the project, "This is a franchise with such enduring opportunity, and Nu Image is the perfect partner with which to realize that opportunity." Adds Constantine, "We have had much success in working with Nu Image to revitalize existing genres or characters – from 'The Expendables,' which was our highest grossing film ever, to this Summer's 'Conan The Barbarian 3D.' We're thrilled that Carl Mazzocone has chosen us to help him carry out his vision for this great property. It feels very much like home to be again collaborating with Mark Burg after all of our shared successes with the Saw films."

"I'm excited to re-conceive this iconic horror classic in a contemporary setting for a new generation of horror fans to enjoy," said producer Mazzocone. "Our story picks up where the original left off. Both John Luessenhop and I intend to deliver a new chapter derived from Tobe Hooper's 1973 masterpiece with the goal of making it as horrifying as the original -- in 3D!"