The highly anticipated sequel to the infamous Saw franchise, Saw XI, has hit a snag. Fans eagerly awaiting their next dose of horror-filled shock and intricate traps will have to wait longer as the movie faces internal challenges at the production level. Despite the franchise’s enduring popularity and the recent success of Saw X, progress on the next installment has stalled due to disagreements between producers and Lionsgate.
Creative Ambitions, Managerial Stalemates
Screenwriting duo Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, who have worked on the franchise since Saw IV, handed in a draft for Saw XI in Spring 2024. However, according to Melton, no substantial advancements have been made since May 2024. “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,” Melton shared.
The planned story draws inspiration from Saw VI, which famously tackled real-world issues like healthcare inequities. The timely and potentially controversial new premise has not been disclosed, but Melton highlighted its social relevance, likening it to the themes of frustration and justice that defined Saw VI. “We have a very timely story in Saw XI, and I hope it gets made just because of that,” Melton added.
A Cloud Over the Franchise’s Future
Lionsgate initially announced in late December 2023 that Kevin Greutert, who directed the highly successful Saw X, would return to direct Saw XI. The film was initially set to premiere in September 2024 but was quickly delayed by a year. While Greutert is officially attached to the project, recent updates have left many wondering about the film’s current status, with Lionsgate declining to comment.
The production delay comes despite Saw X’s remarkable performance at the box office, generating $112 million globally and revitalizing the series after lukewarm responses to earlier installments. Saw X earned praise for its return to the franchise’s roots and its sharp storytelling, cementing Tobin Bell’s portrayal of Jigsaw in the mind of modern audiences.
What’s Behind the “Inter-Squabbling”?
While the exact cause of the stalled production remains unclear, Melton pointed to disagreements between producers and Lionsgate as the primary obstacle. “They just can’t quite get on the same page,” explained the writer. With creative discussions stalled at the managerial level, many are speculating whether the internal politics of studio decision-making will jeopardize the project altogether.
Long-time franchise producer Mark Burg added historical context, reflecting on Saw VI, which was well-received critically but hampered at the box office due to the release of Paranormal Activity. Revisiting socially charged themes, Burg believes, is what would make a timely Saw XI resonate with modern audiences.
Fans Demand Progress
While the Saw series has always relied on its devoted fan base, ongoing delays have frustrated enthusiasts eager to see how the story evolves post-Saw X. Social media platforms have been flooded with speculation about the plot, casting, and the reasons behind the production standstill. The franchise’s legacy and the goodwill generated by Saw X have created high expectations, leaving many hoping that the internal disputes can be resolved quickly.
Can Saw XI Escape the Trap?
Despite its challenges, Saw XI has tremendous potential, given its connection to a fan-favorite and critically relevant foundation similar to Saw VI. The combination of creative storytelling, timely themes, and solid commercial backing should, in theory, propel the film forward. However, until Lionsgate and the producers can reconcile their differences, the project seems to be in limbo.
For now, all eyes are on Lionsgate and its next move. Horror fans and Saw loyalists remain hopeful that these internal conflicts can be resolved and the project will finally see the light of day (or, in this case, the dark of cinemas).
Stay tuned for updates as we bring the latest on Saw XI and its future.
