Blumhouse buys into the Saw franchise, which might just lead to Saw XI finally getting off the ground. More here…
Update, 19th June 2025: Just two weeks after we wrote that Blumhouse had reportedly bought Twisted Pictures’ stake in the Saw franchise, the purchase has been made official. Lionsgate is still involved in the franchise and will distribute future films, but Blumhouse is now looking to give a fresh start to the franchise. Whether that’s a full reboot, spin-off or another sequel, we don’t know yet.
Original Saw director James Wan seems excited though.
“Saw holds a special place in my heart,” Wan said, as reported by Variety. “Coming back to this world with a fresh perspective is thrilling and deeply personal. For me, this will mark a significant creative return to the franchise for the first time since the early days, and I’m very much looking forward to embracing the original spirit whilst pushing the legacy forward in bold, unexpected ways.”
No word on whether Wan might be looking to direct whatever comes next, but this writer certainly has her fingers crossed.
Our original story follows…
5th June 2025: Given how effectively and efficiently the Saw franchise used to turn movies around, it’s baffling that getting Saw XI off the ground has proven to be so tricky. Lionsgate originally announced the film at the end of 2023 – following the success of Saw X – and the idea was to get the film into cinemas in September 2024.
But for whatever reason, the film got stuck in development hell, and by March 2025, Saw XI had apparently been cancelled altogether.
Perhaps clues as to why come with the news that a half stake in the franchise has just changed hands. The movies have been a partnership between Twisted Pictures and Lionsgate, and we now learn that Twisted Pictures has sold its stake in the series.
The purchaser? Blumhouse Productions, which itself is in conjunction with James Wan’s Atomic Monster organisation. James Wan directed, of course, the first Saw film, and it was the production that really put him on the map. Assuming Blumhouse doesn’t fumble Saw in the manner it appears to have done with The Exorcist, it should mean things get up and running a fair amount quicker.
Lionsgate continues to own 50% of the Saw franchise, but it’s unlikely the Saw XI it was working on – Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan had delivered a screenplay, with Kevin Greutert at one stage set to direct – is going to be pursued. Instead, trade reports success that there’s no Saw XI in development at the moment, but now that the ownership of the saga has been resolved going forward, expect that to change.
More on Saw XI as and when we hear more about it. No writers or director are believed to be currently attached. Who knows, maybe James Wan will be tempted?
