Saw XI 'Stalled at a Managerial Level' Due to Lionsgate and Producer Tensions

It's hard to believe, but it looks like the curtains may be closing on the Saw franchise, at least for the foreseeable future. The highly anticipated Saw XI, which was set to hit theaters this fall, has officially been put on hold. This delay isn't due to any creative disagreements but rather managerial issues, according to Saw XI screenwriter Patrick Melton.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Melton revealed that the project has been in limbo since May. "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," he explained. Melton and his writing partner Marcus Dunstan submitted a draft of the script back in spring 2024, nearly a year ago. The hold-up, Melton added, stems from "inter-squabbling between producers and Lionsgate. They just can't quite get on the same page."

The film, originally slated for a September 2024 release, saw a delay to September 2025. Fans were hopeful that this extra time would enhance the story, especially following the success of Saw X, which revitalized the franchise by earning over $120 million globally. This success had executives eager to push forward with Saw XI.

What makes this delay even more disappointing is that Saw XI was set to explore a timely and relevant topic. Although specific plot details remain under wraps, Melton drew parallels to Saw VI, which he co-wrote with Dunstan and was directed by frequent franchise director Kevin Gruetert. In Saw VI, the iconic John Kramer, aka Jigsaw (played by Tobin Bell), targeted health insurance executives.

"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 shared with THR. He elaborated that the film would resonate with themes similar to those in 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." Given current global issues, it would have been fascinating to see how the Saw franchise could revisit these themes and adapt them for today's audience. Unfortunately, it seems we may never get the chance to see this vision come to life.