Saw XI 'Stalled at a Managerial Level' Due to Lionsgate and Producer Tensions

It's official: the Saw franchise is on hold, at least for now. The upcoming Saw XI, originally slated for a fall release, has been indefinitely stalled. This isn't a creative roadblock, according to screenwriter Patrick Melton, who told The Hollywood Reporter that the issue lies in managerial disagreements between producers and Lionsgate. Melton and his writing partner, Marcus Dunstan, submitted a script draft nearly a year ago, in Spring 2024, but progress has ground to a halt due to internal conflicts.

Kevin Gruetert, a frequent director in the franchise, was attached to the project in December 2023, initially setting a September 2024 release date. The delay to September 2025 disappointed fans, particularly after the success of *Saw X*, which grossed over $120 million globally. This box office win made a sequel seem inevitable.

The setback is especially unfortunate as Saw XI was poised to tackle a timely and relevant theme. While plot specifics remain under wraps, Melton hinted at a storyline echoing Saw VI—his and Dunstan's work, also directed by Gruetert—which targeted health insurance executives. Melton expressed hope that the film will eventually see the light of day, emphasizing its timely relevance and mirroring the frustrations of ordinary citizens, a core theme of the Saw franchise. The potential exploration of this theme in the current socio-political climate would have been fascinating, but its future remains uncertain.