Saw XI Reportedly Canceled Amid Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil

The future of the Saw franchise has taken an unexpected turn, as reports indicate that the highly anticipated sequel, Saw XI, has been canceled. Initially slated for release on September 27, 2024, before being pushed back to September 26, 2025, the project now appears to be defunct. While Lionsgate has not officially confirmed the film’s fate, an anonymous source close to the production claims, "It's totally dead. It's 100% over. Almost a year now." [Source]

According to reports, the unraveling of Saw XI can be traced back to January 2024, when internal disputes among producers led to a breakdown in development. One producer allegedly tried to push forward with production, while another erected obstacles, creating an impasse. Without a mediator to resolve the conflict, Lionsgate executives reportedly remained on the sidelines, allowing the project to stall indefinitely.

Despite the cancellation of Saw XI, this does not necessarily mean the end of the Saw franchise. It's been speculated that the series might find a new home at another studio, but if that happens, the project will likely be rebooted rather than continuing where Saw X left off.

Director Kevin Greutert, who previously helmed Saw VI, Saw 3D, and the well-received Saw X, was expected to direct Saw XI, with Marcus Dunstan attached to write the script. Last year, Dunstan shared an encouraging update about the film, describing it as a project with "something new to say" and an "angry" tone. Unfortunately, it appears that creative differences and production disputes have derailed those plans.

The Saw franchise has remained a staple of the horror genre since its inception in 2004, with James Wan and Leigh Whannell crafting a series that evolved into a global phenomenon. While sequels became less frequent after 2010’s Saw 3D, the series has continued sporadically with Jigsaw (2017), Spiral (2021), and Saw X (2023). The latter was particularly well received, both critically and commercially, with Bell expressing enthusiasm about continuing Kramer’s story.