James Wan, the filmmaker behind the original 2004 Saw movie, is prepared to reinvigorate the Saw franchise with a renewed and respectful approach. Wan co-wrote the first film with Leigh Whannell, launching a series that became a staple in horror cinema. Although he did not direct subsequent installments, he stayed involved as an executive producer and contributed to the storyline of later sequels.
The franchise‘s 10th installment was released in 2023, but plans for an 11th movie hit obstacles due to internal conflicts between the producers and Lionsgate studio. In March 2024, the film was officially withdrawn from the release calendar, leaving the future of the saga uncertain.
Wan recently spoke with ScreenRant about potentially returning to the franchise that jumpstarted his career. While still early in the process, he expressed enthusiasm for delivering a fresh start that honors the franchise’s legacy while appealing to new fans.
Any update? It’s a bit early to talk about it, but needless to say, it’s one that I am very excited about. Just because I really haven’t had much to do with the franchise since the very early days.
I guess it’s challenging and exciting because I get to come back to the movie that started my career – the career for myself and Leigh Whannell. I’m not taking this very lightly at all, and I definitely want to find a way for the next movie to be respectful of what fans love about the franchise, whilst finding a new audience for it.
It’s a 20-year-old franchise, and I do think finding a fresh start to some degree is important, while still staying true to the world that we have created.
—James Wan, Director/Producer
Challenges Facing Saw XI’s Development
The production of Saw XI encountered significant hurdles early in 2024 due to disagreements between studio executives and producers over the film’s direction. Writing partners Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan had completed a draft over a year ago, intending to revisit themes similar to those explored in Saw VI, which involved Jigsaw targeting health insurance executives.
Despite the project’s cancellation from Lionsgate’s schedule, Wan’s remarks suggest that Saw XI is not entirely abandoned. Instead, the filmmakers may be taking additional time to reimagine the film with a new creative approach that better aligns with both the franchise’s roots and contemporary audience expectations.
This ambiguity in Wan’s update, describing it as still
“a bit early to talk about,”
reflects ongoing uncertainties that might continue to delay the sequel’s production, yet leaves open the possibility of future developments.
Evaluating Saw X’s Impact and Future Direction
Saw X garnered the highest ratings ever achieved in the franchise, along with substantial box office success. Set chronologically between the original Saw and Saw II, it follows John Kramer, also known as Jigsaw, as he travels to Mexico seeking alternative cancer treatment. After discovering he was deceived, Kramer sets out to punish those behind the scam.
Financially and critically, Saw X demonstrated that there remains a strong appetite for the franchise, making another sequel a logical step. Nonetheless, the issues delaying Saw XI highlight the need for a reevaluation of the franchise’s strategy to ensure its future installments resonate with evolving horror fans.
While much has shifted since the franchise’s debut two decades ago, demand for intense and chilling horror stories persists. The Saw series, centered on John Kramer’s morally complex and brutal traps designed to test his victims’ survival instincts, remains a significant pillar within the horror genre. Its return may take longer than hoped, but is still anticipated by dedicated audiences.
Understanding the Legacy of the Saw Franchise
The Saw films revolve around the Jigsaw Killer, known as John Kramer, who creates elaborate and torturous tests forcing victims to confront their own moral failings. These suspenseful and psychological games push characters to inflict harm on themselves or others in order to survive, a concept that has captivated horror enthusiasts worldwide.
As the franchise approaches its 20th anniversary, Wan’s commitment to preserving the essence that fans appreciate, while also broadening its reach, signals an important shift. His involvement signals renewed vision and respect for the franchise’s roots, potentially guiding Saw into a new era that balances longtime fans’ expectations with fresh creativity.
