"Saw XI Delayed: Lionsgate and Producer Clashes"

It's hard to believe, but the Saw franchise appears to be taking an unexpected pause. The highly anticipated Saw XI, initially slated for a fall release, has been officially stalled and will not hit theaters as planned. This news comes as a disappointment to fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the gruesome saga.

However, the delay isn't due to creative differences. According to Saw XI screenwriter Patrick Melton in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, "We haven’t heard anything 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 and his writing partner Marcus Dunstan 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 move forward with frequent franchise director Kevin Gruetert at the helm, receiving a September 2024 release date back in December 2023. However, fans were devastated when the film's release was pushed back an entire year to September 2025. Many hoped this delay was to enhance the storytelling, especially following the success of Saw X. The 10th installment rejuvenated the franchise, raking in over $120 million globally during its theatrical run, prompting executives to fast-track Saw XI.

What makes this delay even more frustrating is that Saw XI was poised to address a pertinent contemporary issue. While plot details remain under wraps, Melton hinted that the film would echo themes similar 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 for their unethical practices.

"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. He further elaborated, "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." Given the current global climate, exploring these themes again could have provided a fresh and relevant narrative twist for the franchise. Unfortunately, with the current uncertainties, it remains to be seen if fans will ever get to experience this intriguing storyline.