Latest news with #SawXI
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Legendary horror film franchise described as '100% dead' gets exciting update in huge win for fans
A legendary horror film franchise that was described as '100% dead' has received an exciting update in a huge win for fans. The first ever Saw film hit screens in 2004 and ten movies later, the gory tale has captivated viewers for years. After the initial release, the film put stars Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith on the map, who would return as John Kramer a.k.a. Jigsaw and Amanda Young in several sequels. Back in December 2023, Saw XI was announced for a September 2024 release following the huge success of Saw X. However, earlier this year it was revealed the film was 'stalled at a managerial level' and writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan claimed they have been blanked by Lionsgate since turning in a draft in May 2024 in an interview with THR. The most recent film in the Tobin Bell-led franchise - Saw X - was released in September 2023 and was a critical and commercial success. Melton, who has worked on the franchise since 2007's Saw IV said: 'It's stalled at a managerial level. It has nothing to do with the creative or anything else. There's higher-level things at play.' Saw XI addresses a 'timely topic' Melton confirmed, although plot details have been not revealed. 'It taps into the same themes of Saw VI, where you're a citizen, you feel angry and frustrated with something, you feel like you can't do anything, and John Kramer's going to do it.' Melton further claimed the film was 'held up' due to 'inter-squabbling between producers and Lionsgate. They just can't quite get on the same page.' A source added to Bloody Disgusting of Saw XI: 'It's totally dead. It's 100% over. Almost a year now.' Now, it has been reported that Blumhouse has acquired part of the Saw franchise from Twisted Pictures, with Lionsgate still continuing as a partner. It marks a positive move for the future of the 11th movie, though no information about it has been released yet. The Hollywood Reporter told how Blumhouse boss Jason Blum said: 'The Saw franchise has defined a generation of horror, and its cultural impact continues to grow, making this a strategic investment in one of the most recognisable and successful genre properties of the last two decades. 'But what really excites me about bringing Saw to Blumhouse is having James and Leigh back in the fold and to see the future of the franchise come to life with their guidance.' It means James Wan, who directed the first ever Saw film, could be involved with the series again. He said: 'Saw holds a special place in my heart—it's where Leigh and I began our Hollywood journey. Coming back to this world with a fresh perspective is both thrilling and deeply personal. 'For me, this will mark a significant creative return to the Saw 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.' While Twisted Pictures co-owner Oren Koules said: 'With the success of the tenth film, this felt like the right time to pass the baton. I'm incredibly proud of what we've built with Lionsgate over the past 20 years and deeply grateful to the fans who've been with us since the beginning. 'It's especially meaningful to see the franchise return to its original creators, James and Leigh, and I can't think of a better partner than Jason to lead Saw into its next chapter.' Co-owner Mark Burg added: '21 years ago, we met James Wan and Leigh Whannell and financed the first Saw movie. The film was magical and a hit beyond our wildest dreams, and our fans kept the franchise alive for over 20 years. 'It's been an amazing ride and, with the recent passing of our beloved executive producer, Jason Constantine, it's time for me to move on and tell new stories. 'Saw will always be a part of my history and Hollywood history, and I hope Jigsaw and the Saw Universe live on for many more movies and years to come. 'Lastly, I'd like to thank all the amazing actors, crew, and Lionsgate executives who have worked with us on 10 movies over the past 20 years — none of this could have happened without you all. 'We wish James, Leigh and Jason huge success with the continuation of the franchise.'
Metro
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Inside Saw's future as '100% dead' horror franchise gets exciting update
The Saw films were a staple of 2000s horror, introducing fans to the twisted, torturous traps of the iconic Jigsaw killer. Directed by James Wan and co-written with Leigh Whannell, the first film was released in 2004 in which serial killer Jigsaw imprisoned Adam Stanheight (Whannell) and Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes) with the purpose of subjecting them to a series of puzzles to escape. Across the franchise, Jigsaw – or John Kramer (Tobin Bell), as the jaw-dropping ending of the first film reveals – has attracted acolytes who have continued his twisted games spanning 10 films so far. Released in 2023, Saw X took us back in time to the period between Saw and Saw II in which Kramer desperately seeks life-saving treatment following his cancer diagnosis, but is instead duped by con artists and enacts his bloody revenge. Soon after its release, an 11th film was announced, but the production of Saw XI has been anything but smooth with delays, a cancellation, and rumours of behind-the-scenes drama. But now, the legendary horror series has been given a lifeline, which means the 11th film is back on the cards. Following the runaway success of Saw X, it was confirmed in December 2023 that Saw XI was on its way. Saw X landed the highest Rotten Tomatoes rating for any film in the franchise, grossing a whopping $125million (£92.3m) worldwide. It was announced that Kevin Greutert, who directed the 10th film, would be returning for Saw XI, and Bell would also be reprising his role as the iconic John Kramer. Co-writer Patrick Melton – who penned Saw IV, Saw V, Saw VI, and Saw 3D – teased what fans could expect from the 'very timely' plot of the 11th installment. 'It taps into the same themes of Saw VI, where you're a citizen, you feel angry and frustrated with something, you feel like you can't do anything, and John Kramer's going to do it,' he told The Hollywood Reporter. Given Bell's return, it seems the 11th film was set to be another prequel set between the events of Saw and Saw II, which could have meant we would see Shawnee Smith's Amanda Young hit the big screen again. A post-credit scene from Saw X also saw Costas Mandylor reprise his role as police detective turned Jigsaw disciple Mark Hoffman, which could mean he was set to star in Saw XI though this was never confirmed. Speaking to SFX magazine, producer Oren Koules hinted that it would be a direct follow-up to the events of Saw X. 'Cecilia is still alive and Tobin and Shawnee are in a foreign country still. So that, to me, would be the natural place to take at least the next one,' he revealed. Saw XI was originally set to be released on September 27 of the same year, but was delayed until September this year. It was announced in April 2024. Never Let Go, starring Halle Berry, took the film's original release date. Two Lionsgate titles saw their release dates change in the same announcement – the remake of The Crow and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. After a period of silence over the film, sources told Bloody Disgusting that Saw XI was 'totally, 100% dead' due to disagreements at studio level. The report, released on March 27, claimed 'everything went sideways in January 2024' due to producers fighting. 'It's totally dead,' the insider said. 'It's 100% over. Almost a year now.' They claimed that one producer attempted to 'plough forward' with production, while the other 'put up roadblocks' that halted production. '[Lionsgate] didn't have anyone to smooth over the disagreement,' the source added, claiming 'greed and ego won.' Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Melton confirmed the claims that the movie has 'stalled at a managerial level.' 'The reason it's held up is just, there's inter-squabbling between producers and Lionsgate. They just can't quite get on the same page,' he said. He continued: 'It has nothing to do with the creative or anything else. There's higher-level things at play.' Saw – Netflix and Prime Video Saw II – Netflix Saw III – Netflix Saw IV – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw V – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw VI – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw: 3D – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Jigsaw – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Spiral: From The Book of Saw – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw X – Netflix The writer claimed he and writing partner Marcus Dunstan turned in a draft of the script in 2024, but that he hadn't 'heard anything' since then. Greutert also addressed the apparent cancellation in a Reddit post, writing: 'Let's just say that this past year+ has been among the saddest and most frustrating of my life.' A week after the damning news of the Saw XI cancellation, fans were offered an unusual glimmer of hope. The franchise's killer mascot, Billy the Puppet, posted a cryptic statement suggesting the game is far from over. 'I've seen the rumors. They say it's Game Over. You all should know me better than that. The game is never over,' the tricycle-riding puppet said in a statement shared by Lionsgate. But at the same time, it was announced that Saw XI had been completely removed from Lionsgate's release schedule, seemingly sealing its fate. Which brings us to June 4, 2025, when Deadline reported that Blumhouse is allegedly in the process of acquiring perspective rights to Twisted Pictures' portion of Saw. If the deal goes ahead, Blumhouse would take over the ownership of the franchise rights from Twisted Pictures owners Mark Burg and Oren Koules. Lionsgate would still be involved in the project, seeing as the company owns 50% of the franchise. If Blumhouse takes over the Saw franchise, and therefore Saw XI, it would mean Saw is reunited with co-creator James Wan following Blumhouse's merger with his company Atomic Monster. It is unknown what stage the deal is at, as Lionsgate, Twisted Pictures, and Blumhouse have not yet addressed the report. It could mean that Saw XI has been brought back from the dead by Blumhouse, famed for titles such as Paranormal Activity, The Purge, Insidious, Sinister, and many more. Two weeks after speculation began that Blumhouse would be buying Twisted Pictures' stake of the Saw franchise, it was confirmed by the studio. It was also announced that Lionsgate will continue to be a partner on the Saw films. Koules said in a statement: 'With the success of the tenth film, this felt like the right time to pass the baton. I'm incredibly proud of what we've built with Lionsgate over the past 20 years and deeply grateful to the fans who've been with us since the beginning. 'It's especially meaningful to see the franchise return to its original creators, James and Leigh, and I can't think of a better partner than Jason to lead Saw into its next chapter. 'On a personal note, I know the late Gregg Hoffman, my original partner on this journey, would be so happy with this ending.' Burg added: '21 years ago, we met James Wan and Leigh Whannell and financed the first Saw movie. The film was magical and a hit beyond our wildest dreams, and our fans kept the franchise alive for over 20 years. 'It's been an amazing ride and, with the recent passing of our beloved executive producer, Jason Constantine, it's time for me to move on and tell new stories. Saw will always be a part of my history and Hollywood history, and I hope Jigsaw and the Saw Universe live on for many more movies and years to come. 'Lastly, I'd like to thank all the amazing actors, crew, and Lionsgate executives who have worked with us on 10 movies over the past 20 years — none of this could have happened without you all. We wish James, Leigh and Jason huge success with the continuation of the franchise.' Wan also issued a statement about his return to the franchise, saying it was 'thrilling and deeply personal' to the esteemed horror director. More Trending 'Saw holds a special place in my heart—it's where Leigh and I began our Hollywood journey. Coming back to this world with a fresh perspective is both thrilling and deeply personal,' he began. 'For me, this will mark a significant creative return to the Saw 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.' An official announcement about an 11th film has not yet been shared, but it marks a positive change for the future of Saw, which seemed dead in the water only months prior. Metro has contacted representatives for Lionsgate and Blumhouse for comment Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: What's happening with Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni lawsuit ahead of 'explosive' series? MORE: 28 Years Later ending explained by star, and what it could mean for sequel MORE: I've always hated horror films – but I loved 28 Years Later
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Saw XI Update: Horror Franchise Finds New Home, James Wan To Help Guide Its Future
After Saw XI was unceremoniously removed from Lionsgate's 2025 release date calendar, the rights to the horror franchise have found a new home. Saw XI was originally scheduled to arrive in United States theaters on September 26, 2025. Earlier this year, however, reports began to emerge about fights between the film's producers and Lionsgate. The film was taken off the 2025 release calendar this past March, with The Strangers: Chapter 2 taking its place. Per Variety, the rights to Saw have now been acquired by Blumhouse. This includes all future Saw movies, shows, and 'other properties.' 'The company paid an undisclosed amount for the part of the franchise currently owned by producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg,' Variety's article notes. 'In statements, Koules said it felt like 'the right time to pass the baton,' while Burg said he wanted to 'move on and tell new stories.'' Whether this means that Blumhouse will continue developing Saw XI in its current form (the movie had not started filming yet before losing its release date), start from scratch, or reboot the series entirely is not yet clear. Blumhouse CEO Jason Blum did say, however, that James Wan and Leigh Whannell will both be brought 'back in the fold' as they help determine Saw's future. The 2004 Saw movie was directed by Wan, while Whannell wrote the scripts for the first three films. 'Saw holds a special place in my heart,' Wan said in a statement. 'Coming back to this world with a fresh perspective is both thrilling and deeply personal. For me, this will mark a significant creative return to the 'Saw' 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.' The post Saw XI Update: Horror Franchise Finds New Home, James Wan To Help Guide Its Future appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Newsweek
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Blumhouse Buys Rights to 'Saw' Franchise
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Blumhouse already boasts its share of horror franchises like "Insidious" and "Five Nights at Freddy's", and now it will be adding "Saw" to its arsenal of scares. The company has acquired rights to all future "Saw" films, according to Variety. Read More: Jeremy Allen White Transforms Into Bruce Springsteen in Biopic First Look We don't know much Blumhouse paid for the rights, but we know they acquired them from producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg. Lionsgate will continue to have a 50% stake in the franchise. Still from "Saw". Still from "Saw". Lionsgate Fans may be enthused to hear the news, considering it means Blumhouse and Lionsgate have the motivation to release more installments. News broke in March that "Saw XI" had been removed from Lionsgate's list of upcoming releases, to be replaced with "The Strangers: Chapter 2". There was no word on exactly why "Saw XI" was canceled, but co-writer Patrick Melton told The Hollywood Reporter that if the film wasn't made, it would have nothing to do with the creative side of things. "Saw XI may or may not be made, but we have a very timely story in it, and I hope it gets made just because of that," Melton said. He put the blame for the delays at the "managerial level." Blumhouse's acquisition of the "Saw" franchise could be seen to represent a homecoming of sorts. It brings the franchise back to James Wan who directed the first entry in the series. James Wan's Atomic Monster merged with Blumhouse in 2024. Blumhouse CEO James Blum said Wan and "Saw" writer Leigh Whannell will be "brought back in the fold" and guiding future installments. 'Saw' holds a special place in my heart," Wan told Variety. "Coming back to this world with a fresh perspective is both thrilling and deeply personal." "For me, this will mark a significant creative return to the 'Saw' 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." If past success proves to be an indicator of the franchise's future, financially, Blumhouse is likely in for a windfall. All told, the ten "Saw" films have taken in over $1 billion at the global box office. More Movies: 'Death Stranding' Animated Movie on the Way from 'Raised by Wolves' Writer 'Naked Gun' Reboot Trailer Shares First Look at Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson Team Up
Metro
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Inside Saw's future as 'disagreements' over film left horror franchise 'dead'
The Saw films were a staple of 2000s horror, introducing fans to the twisted, torturous traps of the iconic Jigsaw killer. Directed by James Wan and co-written with Leigh Whannell, the first film was released in 2004 in which serial killer Jigsaw imprisoned Adam Stanheight ( Whannell) and Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes) with the purpose of subjecting them to a series of puzzles to escape. Across the franchise, Jigsaw – or John Kramer (Tobin Bell), as the jaw-dropping ending of the first film reveals – has attracted acolytes who have continued his twisted games spanning 10 films so far. Released in 2023, Saw X took us back in time to the period between Saw and Saw II in which Kramer desperately seeks life-saving treatment following his cancer diagnosis, but is instead duped by con artists and enacts his bloody revenge. Soon after its release, an 11th film was announced, but the production of Saw XI has been anything but smooth with delays, a cancellation, and rumours of behind-the-scenes drama. With a potential lifeline for the legendary horror series now in the mix, we take a look at what exactly is going on with Saw XI. Following the runaway success of Saw X, it was confirmed in December 2023 that Saw XI was on its way. Saw X landed the highest Rotten Tomatoes rating for any film in the franchise, grossing a whopping $125million (£92.3m) worldwide. It was announced that Kevin Greutert, who directed the 10th film, would be returning for Saw XI, and Bell would also be reprising his role as the iconic John Kramer. Co-writer Patrick Melton – who penned Saw IV, Saw V, Saw VI, and Saw 3D – teased what fans could expect from the 'very timely' plot of the 11th installment. 'It taps into the same themes of Saw VI, where you're a citizen, you feel angry and frustrated with something, you feel like you can't do anything, and John Kramer's going to do it,' he told The Hollywood Reporter. Given Bell's return, it seems the 11th film was set to be another prequel set between the events of Saw and Saw II, which could have meant we would see Shawnee Smith's Amanda Young hit the big screen again. A post-credit scene from Saw X also saw Costas Mandylor reprise his role as police detective turned Jigsaw disciple Mark Hoffman, which could mean he was set to star in Saw XI though this was never confirmed. Speaking to SFX magazine, producer Oren Koules hinted that it would be a direct follow-up to the events of Saw X. 'Cecilia is still alive and Tobin and Shawnee are in a foreign country still. So that, to me, would be the natural place to take at least the next one,' he revealed. Saw XI was originally set to be released on September 27 of the same year, but was delayed until September this year, it was announced in April 2024. Never Let Go, starring Halle Berry, took the film's original release date. Two Lionsgate titles saw their release dates change in the same announcement – the remake of The Crow and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. After a period of silence over the film, sources told Bloody Disgusting that Saw XI was 'totally, 100% dead' due to disagreements at studio level. The report, released on March 27, claimed 'everything went sideways in January 2024' due to producers fighting. 'It's totally dead,' the insider said. 'It's 100% over. Almost a year now.' They claimed that one producer attempted to 'plough forward' with production, while the other 'put up roadblocks' that halted production. '[Lionsgate] didn't have anyone to smooth over the disagreement,' the source added, claiming 'greed and ego won.' Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Melton confirmed the claims that the movie has 'stalled at a managerial level.' 'The reason it's held up is just, there's inter-squabbling between producers and Lionsgate. They just can't quite get on the same page,' he said. He continued: 'It has nothing to do with the creative or anything else. There's higher-level things at play.' Saw – Netflix and Prime Video Saw II – Netflix Saw III – Netflix Saw IV – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw V – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw VI – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw: 3D – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Jigsaw – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Spiral: From The Book of Saw – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw X – Netflix The writer claimed he and writing partner Marcus Dunstan turned in a draft of the script in 2024, but that he hadn't 'heard anything' since then. Greutert also addressed the apparent cancellation in a Reddit post, writing: 'Let's just say that this past year+ has been among the saddest and most frustrating of my life.' A week after the damning news of the Saw XI cancellation, fans were offered an unusual glimmer of hope. The franchise's killer mascot, Billy the Puppet, posted a cryptic statement suggesting the game is far from over. 'I've seen the rumors. They say it's Game Over. You all should know me better than that. The game is never over,' the tricycle-riding puppet said in a statement shared by Lionsgate. But at the same time, it was announced that Saw XI had been completely removed from Lionsgate's release schedule, seemingly sealing its fate. Which brings us to June 4, 2025, when Deadline reported that Blumhouse is allegedly in the process of acquiring perspective rights to Twisted Pictures' portion of Saw. If the deal goes ahead, Blumhouse would take over the ownership of the franchise rights from Twisted Pictures owners Mark Burg and Oren Koules. Lionsgate would still be involved in the project, seeing as the company owns 50% of the franchise. More Trending If Blumhouse takes over the Saw franchise, and therefore Saw XI, it would mean Saw is reunited with co-creator James Wan following Blumhouse's merger with his company Atomic Monster. It is unknown what stage the deal is at, as Lionsgate, Twisted Pictures, and Blumhouse have not yet addressed the report. It could mean that Saw XI has been brought back from the dead by Blumhouse, famed for titles such as Paranormal Activity, The Purge, Insidious, Sinister, and many more. Metro has contacted representatives for Lionsgate and Blumhouse for comment Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Jennifer Lopez already tipped for an Oscar after Kiss of the Spider Woman trailer MORE: Fans of iconic 70s band blast 'awful' biopic casting of Nick Jonas as rock legend MORE: Box office bomb with 40% on Rotten Tomatoes set to hit streamers after scandal
