The screams may have been silenced—for now. Lionsgate’s much-anticipated Saw XI has hit some major roadblocks, making way for momentum in another horror favorite, The Strangers franchise. For fans of the Saw series and horror enthusiasts alike, this unexpected switch leaves a gory trail of questions. Will Saw XI see the light of day again?
saw xi: a plan derailed
Saw XI was initially slated for a September 26, 2025, release, following the franchise’s sensational return with Saw X in 2023. Helmed by Kevin Greutert and revitalized by its intricate tale of vengeance, Saw X rejuvenated a franchise some believed had lost its edge, pulling in $112 million globally at the box office. These numbers should have confirmed a green light for the next installment.
However, insiders revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that “zero progress” has been made since screenwriters Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan submitted a draft in May 2024. Contrary to speculation, the delay isn’t due to creative challenges but rather “managerial-level inter-squabbling.” Lionsgate and producers have reportedly failed to align, leaving fans eager for their next dose of Jigsaw’s merciless morality games in limbo.
Melton, who has been with the franchise since 2007’s Saw IV, shared in frustration, “Saw XI may or may not be made, but we have a very timely story in it, and I hope it gets made just because of that.” While story details remain sparse, Melton teased that the plot would echo the pointed societal critique seen in Saw VI, where Jigsaw targeted health insurance executives—a theme more chillingly relevant today than ever.
enter the strangers: chapter 2
While Saw XI stalled, The Strangers seized the opportunity to take center stage. Lionsgate announced that The Strangers: Chapter 2 now occupies the previously reserved September release slot. The film continues the story of Chapter 1, which captured audiences with its mix of intimate horror and suspense, earning $48 million globally upon release.
Acting as the second installment in a planned trilogy helmed by director Renny Harlin, Chapter 2 promises to up the ante with more terror. Starring Madelaine Petsch alongside Gabriel Basso and Ema Horvath, the film vows to deliver chills that force audiences to “watch through their fingers.” Petsch promised fans, “We’re making The Strangers as terrifying as possible, and I can’t wait for you to see it.”
Fans of both franchises will likely have mixed feelings about this shuffle on Lionsgate’s schedule. For The Strangers trilogy, it’s a prime opportunity to capitalize on momentum during the competitive Halloween season. However, for Saw loyalists, the loss of a definitive release date for Saw XI highlights the uncertainty that has been haunting the franchise.
is saw xi truly “game over”?
If you think Jigsaw’s signature “Game Over” means curtains for Saw XI, don’t count it out just yet. Lionsgate cleverly addressed the rumors via the character Billy the Puppet, sharing a cryptic statement on social media that reads, “The game is never over.”
Despite the lack of movement, insiders assure fans that the Saw franchise remains vital for the studio. Having generated over $1 billion in global revenue since its debut in 2004, the Saw series is not just any horror franchise—it’s a financial and cultural juggernaut. There’s no doubt that Lionsgate has a vested interest in ensuring its eventual return.
However, the “inter-squabbling” pushing Saw XI into delay appears to run deep. Lionsgate has yet to confirm whether Kevin Greutert will return as director, adding further uncertainty to the film’s production. It’s an ironic twist of fate for a franchise built on razor-sharp precision and unrelenting consequences—attributes its creators now find themselves trying to uphold off-screen.
why saw fans are struggling to move on
For a series that has consistently found ways to comment on social issues while delivering gruesome thrills, Saw XI had the potential to breathe even more life into its iconic legacy. Fans are left wondering not only when they might see Jigsaw again but also how Lionsgate will reconcile creative differences to bring the project back to life.
what’s next for horror fans?
While the future of Saw XI hangs precariously, horror fans can find solace in The Strangers, poised to make waves in the genre once more. With Lionsgate’s recent investments in established horror IPs, one thing is clear—they’re committed to keeping audiences on the edge of their seats, even if Jigsaw’s puppet strings face a temporary tangle.
The question isn’t if Saw XI will happen—it’s when. Until then, we watch, wait, and hope for the next twisted chapter to unfold.