Blumhouse is acquiring the rights to theSawfranchise, which has significant implications for popular horror films. The horror film franchise was created by Aussie directors James Wan and Leigh Whannell, both of whom have been frequent collaborators with Blumhouse. TheSawmoviesare known for being incredibly bloody splatter horror films, as people become victims of the ruthless antagonist, Jigsaw. The first installment was released in 2004, andthe series has since had 10 films in total.
As other horror franchises such asFinal Destinationcontinue on strong,Sawhas gone through ups and downs in 2025 so far. In March, rumors ofSaw XI’s cancellation started spreading, and the film was later removed from the release calendar. Things took on another interesting twist, however, as theSawfranchise was officially acquired by Blumhouse. This news has atangible but complicated impact on the franchise’s future.
Why Blumhouse Is Acquiring The Rights To The Saw Franchise
This Will Bring Control Back To James Wan
Blumhouse is acquiring Twisted Pictures' portion of the franchise rights. There are several reasons for this move, among them the fact that it will put creative control back in the hands of Wan, one of the original creators. The filmmaker has been heavily involved with Blumhouse in both a creative and legal sense. In 2024, his production company, Atomic Monster, merged with Blumhouse. This gave Wan further creative control over Blumhouse’s direction, and with theSawacquisition, he would manage part of the franchise’s creative strategy.
Another driving force behind theSawrights acquisition is the ongoing conflict between the two studios regarding the franchise’s future. Those involved failed to agree on the direction thatSawwas going in. This created ongoing negotiations and ispart of what likely droveSaw 11to be cancelled. Back when the film was in development, creative disputes between the film’s producers led the production to be halted around January 2024, leading to its stalling and then cancellation.
Technically, the project was never formally cancelled by Lionsgate, but the fact thatit was pulled from the release calendar was certainly not a good sign.
The Blumhouse deal actuallyonly means that the company will own 50% of the rights to theSawfranchise. The other half is still in Lionsgate’s hands. The latter will stay involved in the distribution of the movies, maintaining a partnership with Blumhouse as they move forward with the horror franchise. While giving a significant portion of the franchise rights to Blumhouse means that Wan will be one key creative figure in future projects, it has not been fully clarified to what extentSaw Xdirector Kevin Greutert nor the potentialSaw XIdirectors will be involved.
The Blumhouse Deal For Saw Ensures More Movies Will Come
They Could Even Expand To TV
This deal is particularly meaningful after the shakySaw XInews from earlier this year. Technically, the project was never formally cancelled by Lionsgate, but the fact thatit was pulled from the release calendar was certainly not a good sign. The deal will now allow Blumhouse to make more movies in this franchise when the future seemed uncertain before. This is especially exciting afterSaw Xwas a critical and commercial success, leading audiences to want more.
Saw Xmade $112.2 million worldwide on an estimated $13 million budget.
Blumhouse’s newfound control also leaves more creative possibilities open, among them the potential for the company to create a TV series out ofSaw. More and more major horror movie franchises are being shaped into TV shows as of late, as evidenced by theChuckyshow and the upcomingTV seriesIT: Welcome to DerryandCarrie. With more horror worlds expanding as such, it is very possible that Blumhouse would want to work towards a TV version ofSawas well, expanding the franchise into new territory.
Will Blumhouse & James Wan Reboot The Saw Franchise Or Continue The Existing Canon?
A Reboot Seems More Likely
With theSawseries confirmed to continue, it begs the question of whether Blumhouse and Wan will opt to continue the existing canon and move in a different direction. The idea of continuing the story afterSaw X’s ending has certainly caused strife already, seeing as the creative conflict between the producers had already stagnated the progress of the eleventh installment. On the one hand,Saw X’s reviewswere positive, leaving some audiences wanting a follow-upto the main storyline, but continuing could prove challenging.
For this reason, it seems more likely that Blumhouse will opt for something of a reboot rather than a direct continuation. The series already tried a reboot/spin-off withSpiralin 2021, though that was not as successful as it could have been. The series then rebooted itself again withSaw X, which was far more successful.This could lead Wan and his team to want to do something new with theSawfranchise, now that they have the rights and opportunity to do so.
Will James Wan Direct Another Saw Movie Now?
It Would Be A Return To Form
Sawwill now move even closer to Wan, which could potentially mean more directing possibilities. After all, these movies are his creations at their core. That said, it has been quite some time since the horror icon has helmed aSawmovie. In fact,he has only directed the first film, and that was over 20 years ago. He has gone on to be heavily involved in other horror movies such asThe ConjuringandInsidiousin the meantime.
While this busy schedule could get in the way of Wan directing aSawproject, Blumhouse is likely going to take their time strategizing to figure out what to do next with the franchise.
He will certainly be involved at the producing level in some way, but it ispossible that Wan’s busy schedule could get in the way of directing anotherSawmovie any time soon. Wan has become a leading name in the genre, known not just for his directing, but his producing work. Just this year, he has been credited as a producer onThe Monkey,M3GAN 2.0,The Conjuring: Last Rites, andMortal Kombat II. He already has a directorial project lined up as well, withThe Call of Cthulhumovie.
While this busy schedule could get in the way of Wan directing aSawproject, Blumhouse is likely going to take its time strategizing to figure out what to do next with the franchise. This elapsed time could allow for Wan’s schedule to free up a bit, paving for a discussion for him to be attached to direct the next movie. If he did come back to direct anotherSawfilm, it would be an exciting return to form, as it would be a way for him to connect with the franchise that got him famous.
