Blumhouse is in the process of taking over the SAW franchise. The horror powerhouse, paranormal and black mobile phones behind the Purge appear to have acquired rights from Twisted Pictures, co-founded IP alongside Lionsgate and co-owned it.
The deal brings filmmaker James Wang, who co-created the franchise with Lee Wannell through Atomic Monster, a company that merged with Blumhouse in 2024.
Lions Gate is still involved
As Deadline first reported, the deal sees Blumhouse gaining a perspective on the share of photos with a franchise twist, but Lionsgate is mounted as a 50% stakeholder. There are no new Saw films in development yet, but the acquisition could rekindle Xi’s long-term SAW plans or pave the way for new directions. Probably a streaming series.
WAN oversaw SAW in 2004, which cost just $1.2 million and won over $104 million worldwide. Since then, the franchise has expanded to 10 films, exceeding $1 billion worldwide. Beyond the big screen, the IP includes comic books, video games, theme park attractions and a wide range of products.
What happened to you seeing xi?
The latest entry released in 2023, Saw X has won $112 million worldwide and has been praised by many fans as a return to form. Follow-up Saw Xi was scheduled for a 2025 release, when Kevin Greutert returned as director, and for a screenplay by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan. However, the creative difference between Lionsgate and producers is reportedly that the project was shelved earlier this year.
It is unclear whether Blumhouse will revisit those plans or fully develop new directions.
A new chapter in creative ownership
The acquisition highlights the broader trend for filmmakers to regain control of their creations. Wan and Whannell first introduced Saw to Hollywood, attracting attention from Twisted Pictures producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules, with their short, budget shorts. Now, more than 20 years later, Wang may once again help pilot the fate of horror’s most brutal and influential franchise.
Whether the next Jigsaw appears in cinemas or streaming, one thing is clear. stay tuned!
