Earlier this year, Saw XI was officially cancelled by Lionsgate, prompting fans to fear that Jigsaw’s games were over for good.
2023’s prequel Saw X brought the iconic franchise roaring back to life, grossing $118 million worldwide. So, of course, talk of a sequel was immediate. Initially scheduled for release one year later, the project soon fell silent and was delayed 12 months.
Although a script by longtime Saw scribes Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan was initially complete, Saw XI remained stalled. Eventually, following the project’s cancellation, news leaked that the project crashed due to disagreements between producers Mark Burg and Owen Koules.
The owners of Twisted Pictures couldn’t seem to agree on the direction of the eleventh film, and thus, it seemed to lead to the franchise’s end.
However, an unexpected lifeline has materialised for the iconic franchise.
Word reaches us that Blumhouse productions has purchased Twisted Pictures stake in the Saw property. The iconic horror studio will now fund any further series entries, with Lionsgate remaining attached as distributor and a 50% stake holder.
Whilst it will likely be quite some time before we have an update on a new film project, sources tell us that Saw creator James Wan is interested in returning to his roots.
Blumhouse’s acquisition of the property was undoubtedly made possible through their merger with Wan’s Atomic Monster studio. So, the chances of the filmmaker helming a new Saw chapter seems likely.
Sources also state that Blumhouse and Wan are eager to start fresh with the franchise. This likely means that the planned Saw XI will not re-enter production, ruling out the return of several popular franchise alumni.
So, despite a very turbulent year, finally we have some hopeful news for the Saw franchise. Will we finally see the return of James Wan to Saw? We’ll be watching closely for updates.
