"Saw XI Delayed: Lionsgate and Producer Clashes"

It's hard to believe, but the Saw franchise appears to be hitting a pause, with the much-anticipated Saw XI now officially delayed. Originally slated for a fall release, fans will have to wait longer as the project has been stalled, and it won't be hitting theaters as planned.

According to Saw XI screenwriter Patrick Melton in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the delay isn't due to creative differences. "We haven’t heard anything since May," Melton stated. "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, along with his writing partner Marcus Dunstan, submitted a draft of the script back in spring 2024. The hold-up, Melton explained, stems from disagreements between the producers and Lionsgate. "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."

Kevin Gruetert, a frequent director for the franchise, was set to helm Saw XI back in December 2023, with an initial release date set for September 2024. However, the film's delay pushed the release to September 2025, leaving fans disappointed. Many hoped the extra time would enhance the story, especially following the success of Saw X, which revitalized the franchise by earning over $120 million globally during its theatrical run. This success had executives eager to move forward with Saw XI.

What makes the delay even more frustrating is that Saw XI was poised to tackle a relevant and timely topic. While specific plot details remain under wraps, Melton drew parallels 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), targets 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. He elaborated that the film would explore themes similar to those in Saw VI, where ordinary citizens feel powerless and frustrated, and Jigsaw steps in to take action. Given the current state of the world, it would have been fascinating to see how the Saw franchise would revisit these themes and adapt them for today's audience. Unfortunately, it seems we may never get to see this vision come to life.