"Saw XI Delayed: Lionsgate and Producer Clashes"

It's hard to believe, but the curtains might be closing on the Saw franchise for now. The much-anticipated Saw XI, originally slated for a fall release, has hit a snag and will not be hitting the screens as planned. This delay isn't due to creative differences or script issues but rather a managerial deadlock.

According to Saw XI screenwriter Patrick Melton in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the project has been stalled 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,” Melton explained. He and his writing partner Marcus Dunstan had submitted a draft of the script back in the spring of 2024, nearly a year ago. The delay stems from ongoing disagreements between the producers and Lionsgate, as they struggle to align their visions for the film.

Kevin Gruetert, a frequent director for the franchise, was set to helm Saw XI back in December 2023, with an initial release date set for September 2024. However, fans were disheartened when the release was pushed back an entire year to September 2025. The delay came as a blow, especially after the success of Saw X, the 10th installment, which revitalized the franchise by earning over $120 million globally.

What adds to the frustration is that Saw XI was poised to address a timely topic. While plot details remain under wraps, Melton drew parallels between Saw XI and Saw VI, which he and Dunstan also wrote, and which was directed by Gruetert. Saw VI saw John Kramer, aka Jigsaw (played by Tobin Bell), seeking vengeance against health insurance executives.

Melton expressed hope for the project's future, stating, “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.” He elaborated that the film would delve into themes similar to those in Saw VI, where the protagonist, feeling powerless and frustrated, turns to Jigsaw for justice. Given the current global climate, revisiting these themes could offer a fresh perspective, but with the project's uncertain future, fans may never see this vision come to life.