It's hard to fathom, but the iconic Saw franchise is hitting pause, with Saw XI's release officially delayed and no longer set for this fall as initially planned. This development comes as a shock to fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the gruesome saga.
However, the delay isn't due to creative hurdles. According to Saw XI screenwriter Patrick Melton in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the project has been stalled at a managerial level. "We haven’t heard anything since May," Melton stated, emphasizing that the issue lies in higher-level decision-making rather than the film's creative direction. Melton and his co-writer Marcus Dunstan submitted their script draft in spring 2024, nearly a year ago, and the hold-up stems from "inter-squabbling between producers and Lionsgate," as they struggle to align their visions.
Originally, frequent franchise director Kevin Gruetert was set to helm Saw XI, which was slated for a September 2024 release. The subsequent delay pushed the premiere to September 2025, leaving fans disheartened yet hopeful that the extra time would enhance the storytelling. This hope was fueled by the success of Saw X, the 10th installment, which revitalized the franchise by earning over $120 million worldwide during its theatrical run.
Adding to the disappointment, Saw XI was poised to tackle a contemporary and relevant issue. While specific plot details remain under wraps, Melton drew parallels between Saw XI and Saw VI, the latter of which he co-wrote with Dunstan and was directed by Gruetert. In Saw VI, protagonist 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, highlighting the film's potential to resonate with current societal frustrations and themes.
Melton further elaborated that Saw XI would echo the sentiment of Saw VI, where ordinary citizens feel powerless and frustrated, and Jigsaw steps in to exact justice. Given today's global climate, exploring these themes again could offer a fresh and engaging perspective. However, with the film's future hanging in the balance, fans may never witness this intriguing narrative unfold.
