Saw XI Delayed: Lionsgate and Producer Clashes

It's hard to believe, but it seems the curtains have closed on the Saw franchise for now. The eagerly awaited Saw XI has hit a snag and will not be hitting theaters this fall as planned. This delay isn't due to creative differences; rather, it's mired in behind-the-scenes management issues.

According to screenwriter Patrick Melton in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, there's been radio silence 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 turned in a draft of the script back in spring 2024, nearly a year ago now. The holdup? "The reason it's held up is just, there's inter-squabbling between producers and Lionsgate. They just can't quite get on the same page," Melton added.

Kevin Gruetert, a frequent director for the franchise, was set to helm Saw XI back in December 2023, with an original release date set for September 2024. However, fans were left disappointed when the film's release was pushed back an entire year to September 2025. Many hoped the delay was for the betterment of the story, especially following the success of Saw X. The 10th installment not only breathed new life into the series but also raked in over $120 million globally, fueling anticipation for Saw XI.

What makes this delay even more frustrating is that Saw XI was poised to tackle a relevant and timely topic. While plot details remain under wraps, Melton drew comparisons to Saw VI, which he co-wrote with Dunstan and was directed by Gruetert. In Saw VI, 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.

"It taps into the same themes of 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." The prospect of the Saw franchise revisiting these themes, especially given current global conditions, was intriguing. Sadly, it looks like we might not get to see how this story would unfold.