(Image: Lionsgate)
The "Saw" franchise, a box office success for over two decades, saw its tenth installment, "Saw X," rake in an impressive $125 million worldwide just two years ago. This strong performance quickly led Lionsgate to announce plans for an eleventh film. However, "Saw 11," which was initially progressing smoothly, suddenly had its release date delayed by a full year, from last September to this September. Now, with no signs of production moving forward, it's clear the project has encountered significant behind-the-scenes challenges.
(Image: Lionsgate)
The difficulties facing "Saw 11" are now reportedly coming to light. According to horror news site Bloody Disgusting, a source informed them that the eleventh installment is "completely dead" and "100% not happening," with nearly a year having passed since the last update. The source further indicated that the reason behind this halt is an internal conflict between two producers, with one attempting to push the film into production while the other continuously obstructs it. This dispute reportedly began as early as January of last year, even before Lionsgate officially announced the sequel.
(Image: Lionsgate)
The source also mentioned that no one within Lionsgate has been able to mediate the dispute, which could ultimately lead to the "Saw" franchise being sold to another studio for a reboot.
Kevin Greutert, who directed "Saw VI," "Saw 3D," and "Saw X," was slated to return to direct "Saw 11." Screenwriting duo Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, who penned "Saw IV," "Saw V," "Saw VI," and "Saw 3D," were set to write the script. Melton recently spoke with The Hollywood Reporter (THR) and confirmed that "Saw 11" has indeed been shelved due to disputes between producers and Lionsgate, making it unlikely to proceed. He added that he hasn't heard any new developments since last May.
Melton also teased that the plot for "Saw 11" would have been similar to "Saw VI," connecting to social issues, with Jigsaw, John Kramer, seeking vengeance for those who have suffered injustice.