James Wan, who directed the original Saw film in 2004, is signaling a renewed involvement with the Saw franchise as it approaches its 20th anniversary. Known for launching one of the most successful horror series of the 2000s alongside co-writer Leigh Whannell, Wan is now exploring ways to revive the franchise following Blumhouse’s acquisition of the rights.
Although Wan shifted his focus toward building The Conjuring Universe and helming major blockbusters like Aquaman, he remained connected to Saw as a producer and story consultant. His recent remarks reveal a strong intent to reengage with the series in a meaningful way that honors its roots while appealing to new viewers.
Balancing Legacy and Innovation in the Franchise’s Future
In a conversation with ScreenRant, Wan expressed cautious optimism about the project, stating,
“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 and Producer
This approach recognizes the challenge of honoring the original tone and themes that fans cherish while updating the story to feel relevant in a shifting horror landscape. Wan intends to create a film that bridges both longtime followers and new audiences, preserving the familiar world of Jigsaw without simply retreading old ground.
Recent Installments and Production Setbacks
Saw X, released in 2023, achieved both critical praise and strong box office returns, demonstrating that there remains robust interest in the franchise’s distinctive horror mixed with moral complexity. The film was notable for its placement in the Saw timeline, offering a final chapter for antagonist John Kramer between the events of the first two movies.
Despite this success, early work on a follow-up, Saw XI, encountered difficulties. Writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, who have been involved with the series for some time, revealed they completed a draft over a year ago. Their story reportedly touched on themes of corruption and healthcare, recalling elements from Saw VI. However, disagreements among producers and the studio Lionsgate led to the project being removed from the release schedule in March 2024.
Prospects for the Franchise Under Wan’s Direction
Wan’s recent comments imply that while this particular sequel may not move forward, the Saw franchise itself remains very much alive. His reference to a “fresh start” suggests an intention to reimagine the series in a way that maintains the franchise’s core identity while injecting new life into its narrative and thematic elements.
Financially, the franchise’s continued viability is supported by the success of Saw X, proving demand still exists for Jigsaw’s twisted brand of horror. Creatively, however, the next step will require balancing the franchise’s iconic brutal traps and shock value with contemporary concerns and storytelling approaches. Saw’s trademark moral dilemmas were central to its original appeal, and if Wan can blend those intense philosophical questions with updated themes, the series could secure its place for another decade.
For audiences, the promise of a revitalized Saw installment directed or overseen by James Wan, the filmmaker who helped launch the series, raises hopes for a thoughtful yet thrilling continuation. As development moves forward, fans can expect a film that respects the franchise’s past while exploring fresh directions in horror cinema.
