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

It's hard to believe, but it seems like the game is truly over for the Saw franchise, at least for the time being. The much-anticipated Saw XI has hit a major snag and will not be hitting theaters this fall as initially planned. This delay comes as a shock to fans who were eagerly awaiting the next installment following the success of Saw X.

According to screenwriter Patrick Melton, the issue isn't with the creative aspects of the film. "We haven’t heard anything since May," Melton revealed to The Hollywood Reporter. "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 and his writing partner Marcus Dunstan had submitted a draft of the script back in spring 2024, nearly a year ago. The hold-up, Melton explained, stems from "inter-squabbling between producers and Lionsgate. They just can’t quite get on the same page."

The project had initially been set to release in September 2024 under the direction of frequent franchise director Kevin Gruetert. However, the film's release was postponed to September 2025, leaving fans disheartened but hopeful that the extra time would enhance the storyline. This hope was fueled by the success of Saw X, which revitalized the franchise by grossing over $120 million globally during its theatrical run.

Adding to the disappointment, Saw XI was poised to address a timely topic. While plot details remain under wraps, Melton hinted that the film's narrative would echo themes from Saw VI, which he co-wrote with Dunstan and was directed by Gruetert. In Saw VI, John Kramer, also known as Jigsaw (played by Tobin Bell), targets 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.

Melton elaborated that the new film would delve into similar themes, capturing the public's feelings of anger and frustration towards societal issues, with Jigsaw stepping in to take action. Given the current state of the world, exploring these themes again would have been a compelling move for the franchise. Unfortunately, it appears we may never see this vision come to fruition.