Few horror franchises have embraced brutality and long-running continuity like Saw. Over the years, the series has become synonymous with elaborate traps, shocking twists, and the influence of Tobin Bell’s John Kramer, even long after his on-screen death. Saw X managed to breathe new life into the franchise by stepping back in time, bringing Kramer back in a midquel that earned both critical praise and strong box office numbers.
For a series that had previously struggled to maintain momentum, Saw X seemed like the perfect way to get things back on track. But now, it appears Saw XI has been quietly scrapped. Reports from Bloody Disgusting suggest that the planned sequel has been dead in the water for nearly a year. Production delays and behind-the-scenes conflicts are at the heart of the issue, with sources indicating that disagreements among producers derailed the project as early as January 2024. Some wanted to push forward, while others attempted to put the brakes on, leading to a complete standstill. Without a mediator to smooth things over, Saw XI was effectively shelved, and Lionsgate never stepped in to get it back on track.
Director Kevin Greutert, who helmed the tenth film as well as Saw VI and Saw 3D, was expected to return. Writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, known for their work on Saw IV through Saw 3D, were set to handle the script. The post-credits scene in Saw X even teased a continuation, bringing back Costas Mandylor’s Mark Hoffman alongside Kramer. With all these pieces seemingly in place, the abrupt cancellation raises questions about what went wrong.
For longtime fans, the news is frustrating. Saw X proved there was still an appetite for these stories, and its financial success indicated that audiences were willing to return for more. The decision to abandon Saw XI despite that momentum feels like a missed opportunity, especially with Bell still willing to reprise his role. If the franchise does return, it may not pick up where things left off. Instead, a fresh start could be in the works, which could mean anything from a soft reboot to an entirely new take.
The Saw films have always found ways to continue, whether through sequels, prequels, or spin-offs. Even when it seemed like the series had run out of ideas, a new entry would emerge to pull audiences back into its deadly puzzles. While Saw XI appears to be dead for now, history suggests that Saw is never truly over. Twisted Pictures and Lionsgate will eventually have to decide what comes next — whether that means continuing the story of John Kramer or reimagining his deadly games for a new generation.
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.
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