Like a limb left in one of Jigsaw’s traps, Saw XI has been quietly severed from Lionsgate’s release schedule, with The Strangers: Chapter 2 now occupying its 26 September 2025 release date according to THR. While this might suggest the end of the road for the nearly two-decade-old franchise, a cryptic statement from none other than Billy the Puppet (the ventriloquist dummy used in the films by the character John Kramer) insists otherwise. “I’ve seen the rumours. They say it’s Game Over. You all should know me better than that. The game is never over.”
Originally greenlit after the critical and commercial success of Saw X, which raked in over US$125 million globally in 2023, Saw XI was meant to continue the blood-soaked saga of Kramer and his proteges. The follow-up would have taken place after the events of Saw X, a film that slotted neatly between the first and second instalments in the franchise’s convoluted timeline. Tobin Bell was expected to return once again as the terminally ill mastermind, joined by Shawnee Smith’s Amanda Young and Costas Mandylor’s Mark Hoffman, both of whom were featured in the post-credits tease for a potential next chapter.
Production was to be led by Saw X director Kevin Greutert, a longtime franchise veteran who previously helmed Saw VI and Saw 3D, and edited the original 2004 film. Writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, known for scripting Saw IV through Saw 3D, had taken over writing duties. However, behind-the-scenes friction reportedly brought the project to a halt. Conflicting producer visions stalled development, and without a mediator in place, the film never regained momentum.
Despite the current radio silence, Lionsgate’s broader messaging suggests the door isn’t shut for good. With the franchise having grossed over US$1 billion since its inception, there’s still financial motivation to keep it alive. If Saw XI reemerges, it may look different from what was originally planned, with new writers, altered timeline, or perhaps even a full-scale reboot.
In the meantime, The Strangers: Chapter 2 will take its place in theatres. Directed by Renny Harlin and starring Madelaine Petsch, the film is the second instalment in a rebooted horror trilogy that began in 2024. All three entries were filmed back-to-back, positioning the series for a quick rollout. With Chapter 1 having earned US$48 million worldwide, Lionsgate seems eager to keep the momentum going while Saw XI remains on ice.
Fans of the Jigsaw killer might be disappointed by the delay, but Billy the Puppet’s words “the game is never over” still holds true. Just not in 2025.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Caleb from Love and Deepspace.
Kevin Low
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