Exclusive: While many critics were quick to dub Texas Chainsaw 3D (review) as the film that would kill the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise, they maybe should have taken a deep bite into their tongue.

Bloody Disgusting has heard through the grapevine on various occasions that the producers behind Texas Chainsaw 3D had acquired the rights to make up to 7 more films (including this one), and that this Leatherface adventure is the beginning of an entire new franchise at Lionsgate.

And as always, the success of each film dictates what comes next.

We’re the first to receive word that the people behind TCM 3D will in fact move forward on a sequel to the continuation of Tobe Hooper’s 1974 classic. As reported earlier today, TCM 3D topped the domestic B.O. Friday with $10.2 million, and is looking at a three-day haul more in the low-to-mid $20 million range.

Horror is #1 at the boxoffice, and Leatherface is king once again. It feels pretty darn good.