New ‘Saw’ films will “embrace the spirit” of the original movies

Blumhouse has acquired the rights to all future Saw films, meaning that the series has found its way back to the first movie’s director James Wan – and he’s given fans an idea of what to expect.

• Read More: Saw X review – Jigsaw returns for more violent mayhem

Production company Blumhouse, known for making the likes of Insidious, Paranormal Activity and Five Nights At Freddy’s, paid an undisclosed sum for the part of the Saw franchise owned by Oren Koules and Mark Burg.

In their own statements, Koules said it was “the right time to pass the baton,” while Burg said he wanted to “move on and tell new stories”. 

Lionsgate, which has released all 10 Saw films, will continue to be a partner and will also retain its 50% ownership stake in the franchise as well as all domestic distribution rights. 

Wan, who co-created the Saw franchise and directed the first movie in 2004, merged his Atomic Monster label with Blumhouse in 2024, and he’s recently been involved in movies including The Monkey, ‘Salem’s Lot and Night Swim. 

He said: “Saw holds a special place in my heart,” Wan said, adding, “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.”

Jason Blum, the founder of Blumhouse, said that Saw has “defined a generation of horror,” adding: “Its cultural impact continues to grow, making this a strategic investment in one of the most recognizable and successful genre properties of the last two decades.”

He also confirmed that Wan and Leigh Whannell, who wrote the first film, would be brought “back in the fold” with Saw going forward. 

Saw XI, the eleventh movie in the franchise, was originally pencilled in for a 2024 release, but it was reported earlier this year that disagreements had led to progress stalling. 

“The reason it’s held up is just, there’s inter-squabbling between producers and Lionsgate,” said co-screenwriter Patrick Melton in March. “They just can’t quite get on the same page.”

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