Saw XI's purported cancelation after infighting among producers halted production in early 2024.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Saw XI has been cut from Lionsgate's theatrical release calendar, with The Strangers: Chapter 2 taking over the film's initial release date. While the theatrical cut doesn't exactly paint a bright future for the gore-splattered franchise, Lionsgate also shared a statement from Saw's iconic ventriloquist dummy, Billy the Puppet, who assured audiences, "I’ve seen the rumors. They say it’s Game Over. You all should know me better than that. The game is never over."
What This Means For Saw 11
The Future Of The Iconic Horror Franchise Remains In Limbo
Saw X’s post-credits scene seemed to indicate that the horror franchise was not intent on slowing down, teasing the return of major franchise characters John Kramer (Tobin Bell) and Mark Hoffman (Costas Mandylor). Kevin Greutert was set to direct, with Saw 4 and Saw 3D co-writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan taking over script duties from Peter Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg. Melton had previously told THR that Saw 11 had a "very timely story," not unlike the focus of Saw 4, where Jigsaw forced a group of health insurance executives into his signature series of torturous games.
Saw 11 Wishlist: 8 Things We Want From The Sequel
With the Saw franchise releasing Saw 11 in line with its 20-year anniversary, there is plenty that can be hoped for in the next installment.
Lionsgate and Jigsaw's statement suggests that the studio is still interested in another Saw chapter, which is of no surprise considering that the franchise has grossed more than $1 billion at the worldwide box office since the release of James Wan and Leigh Whannell's original movie in 2004. In lieu of Saw 11's removal from the release calendar, Strangers: Chapter 2 will now be premiering on September 26. The second installment in the standalone horror trilogy follows the success of The Strangers: Chapter 1, which premiered in May 2024 and earned $48 million worldwide.
Our Take On Saw 11's Release Removal
Rethinking The Future Of Jigsaw
While Saw XI’s removal from the release schedule raises concerns, it’s unlikely that Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures are done with the horror franchise, especially after Saw 10's recent success. Given the behind-the-scenes disputes, the studio may take this as an opportunity to reset and possibly move forward with a new creative direction. If Saw XI does return, it may not be the film originally planned. Instead, Lionsgate could pivot to new writers, a different timeline, or even a reboot.
Source: THR
