Behind-the-scenes disputes have caused production delays for Saw, the next installment in the well-known horror franchise. Saw XI, the eagerly awaited sequel, was originally scheduled for release this fall but has now been put on hold indefinitely with no new developments since early 2024.
The picture is in limbo because of conflicts between Lionsgate officials and the franchise's creators, according to Patrick Melton, a seasoned screenwriter of the franchise who co-wrote the Saw XI draft with Marcus Dunstan. "We haven't heard anything since May," Melton said in a recent interview. At the managerial level, it has halted. The creative side is unrelated to this; higher-level problems are causing delays.
Lionsgate first revealed Saw XI in December 2023, with Kevin Greutert, director of the popular Saw X, attached. The film was scheduled to debut in September 2024. But Lionsgate later changed the release date to September 26, 2025, a full year later. The future of the movie is still up in the air. Greutert's continued involvement has not been verified by Lionsgate, and spokespeople have not answered questions.
Melton emphasizes the screenplay's connection to contemporary societal issues and has a great belief in its potential. He likened Saw XI's plot to that of the highly acclaimed Saw VI (2009), which focused on the contentious American healthcare system. The film's topical examination of the frustration and powerlessness felt by common people struck a chord with critics. Melton alluded to Saw XI's exploration of a modern issue with societal ramifications.
Melton clarified, "This film, like Saw VI, captures a frustration felt by many people today." "It capitalizes on the notion that people feel helpless when injustice occurs, and then John Kramer intervenes to provide his perverted interpretation of justice."
Unfortunately, Saw VI was released at the same time as Paranormal Activity, which had only been released a few weeks previously and had already achieved enormous box office success. Saw VI failed financially even though it was the franchise's best-reviewed movie at the time. Melton remembered, "It was a strange situation because the timing was unfortunate, and its box office performance suffered, but the critics really liked it—it tackled real-world healthcare issues."
Mark Burg, a producer who has been engaged since filmmaker James Wan's first picture in 2004, concurred that healthcare topics are relevant, pointing out a parallel between Saw VI and the 2002 movie John Q., which he also produced. Characters in both movies are driven to extreme lengths by inequities in healthcare. "Jigsaw confronts someone who denies him health insurance coverage in Saw VI," said Burg. "I suppose I'm a sucker for thrillers with a healthcare theme."
Following the recent murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which pushed the topics covered in Saw VI back into the spotlight, the franchise's healthcare theme gained even more, although bleak, relevance. Thompson and Melton both graduated from the University of Iowa's class of 1997, which Melton disclosed as an unexpected personal link. Melton acknowledged their short undergraduate connection and called Thompson a "normal, good guy".
In the end, Saw aficionados are left wondering whether Saw XI will ever be released in theaters. Melton is still optimistic that the internal struggles may be overcome since he thinks viewers should see the film because of its compelling and relevant story.