- Saw X was the best reviewed in franchise’s history
- Plot strands were left open for direct sequel Saw XI
- Sources claim Saw XI is “totally dead”
Saw XI has reportedly been cancelled ahead of its proposed September 2025 release, with fans left devastated at the franchise’s uncertain future.
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The 11th installment of the popular horror series was set to follow Saw X, which many viewed as a return to form. The previous film had been highly successful, reigniting interest in the long-running franchise. Lionsgate even announced Saw XI with a teaser image and a release date, as seen below.
The new film was originally set for a theatrical release on 27 September 2024, but got delayed and pushed back a whole year to 26 September 2025. However, now, Bloody Disgusting is reporting that the film has been called off. A source close to the production revealed that “It’s totally dead. It’s 100% over. Almost a year now”.
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Why was Saw XI cancelled?
According to the source, “Everything went sideways in January 2024 … the producers started fighting.” While one producer attempted to “plow forward”, the other “put up roadblocks,” ultimately stalling the production of Saw XI. “Greed and ego won”, the source concludes.
Lionsgate’s failure to offer anyone to step in and negotiate the deal also contributed to the problems surrounding the movie. It overall resulted in the sequel’s cancellation. “[Lionsgate] didn’t have anyone to smooth over the disagreement.”
It’s also noted that the franchise might sell somewhere else, but it will likely “start over,” if so.
What would have happened in the sequel?
Saw X was the best-reviewed instalment of the franchise in its two-decade history. It took the story back to between the first and second movies. Following its landmark success, a direct sequel was always going to be on the cards and the official announcement came shortly after.
Franchise veteran Kevin Greutert was set to direct, with stars Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith and Costas Mandylor returning to their roles.
The post-credits of Saw X suggested that the story was far from over, with the return of second antagonist Mark Hoffman (played by Mandylor) appearing. There were also a number of plot strands left open to explore.
Producer Oren Koules was asked about the development of Saw XI shortly after the success of Saw X. Speaking to GamesRadar, he confirmed it would serve as a direct follow-up to Saw X, even offering an update of where its key characters are, “Cecilia is still alive and Tobin and Shawnee are in a foreign country still. So that, to me, would be the natural place to take at least the next one.”
With Cecilia still alive, the sequel seemed set to continue deviating from the original formula of brutal games, instead focusing on the con artist tracking down John Kramer aka Jigsaw for revenge.
The story could have also focused on Kramer and his mentor-mentee relationship with Amanda (played by Shawnee Smith). As he grows older and his health deteriorates, there could be a shift toward his legacy and the passing of his work to new apprentices. It could have also led to Amanda taking control of Jigsaw’s work, but become complicated due to her own psychological issues.
The Saw franchise has undeniably left its mark on the horror genre, raking in a global box office total of over $1 billion. Although Saw XI has been cancelled, fans will likely continue to hold out hope that it’s more of a delay than a permanent stop. While the future remains uncertain, the series’ legacy will undoubtedly continue to captivate and terrify audiences.
