‘Saw' Franchise Rights Acquired by Blumhouse, Reuniting James Wan with Horror Series
The biggest name in horror now has the rights to one of the most successful horror franchises ever.
Blumhouse has acquired the prospective rights to 'Saw,' meaning the opportunity to bring Jigsaw back to life with new 'Saw' films is back in the hands of Atomic Monster and James Wan, who directed the original 'Saw' film from 2004.
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The controlling stake in the 'Saw' franchise was owned by producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg, who, after 20 years, are handing over the reins to Wan and Blumhouse's Jason Blum, whose Blumhouse merged with Atomic Monster back in 2024. Leigh Whannell, who co-created and wrote the original 'Saw,' is also in the Blumhouse universe and has directed both 'The Invisible Man' and 'Wolf Man' for the horror banner.
Koules and Burg are moving on after the recent passing of executive producer Jason Constantine, who died earlier this month. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Lionsgate, which has distributed the 'Saw' franchise for years, has always had a 50-50 stake in 'Saw,' and its rights won't change. Lionsgate will continue to be a partner in the property and will also distribute new 'Saw' films domestically, and it will work with Blumhouse and Atomic Monster on the international release strategy for the films. Content Partners has also acquired a stake in the existing library, and Burg has retained a share in the franchise.
The 10 'Saw' films, including the most recent film from 2023, 'Saw X,' have grossed $1.1 billion at the global box office and is the fifth most successful horror franchise ever. Atomic Monster was already responsible for the most lucrative franchise, The Conjuring Universe, and Blumhouse also has 'Paranormal Activity,' 'Halloween,' and 'Insidious.'
'With the success of the 10th film, this felt like the right time to pass the baton. I'm incredibly proud of what we've built with Lionsgate over the past 20 years and deeply grateful to the fans who've been with us since the beginning,' Koules said. 'It's especially meaningful to see the franchise return to its original creators, James and Leigh, and I can't think of a better partner than Jason to lead 'Saw' into its next chapter. On a personal note, I know the late Gregg Hoffman, my original partner on this journey, would be so happy with this ending,'
'Twenty-one years ago, we met James Wan and Leigh Whannell and financed the first 'Saw' movie. The film was magical, and a hit beyond our wildest dreams, and our fans kept the franchise alive for over 20 years,' Burg said. 'It's been an amazing ride and, with the recent passing of our beloved executive producer, Jason Constantine, it's time for me to move on and tell new stories. 'Saw' will always be a part of my history and Hollywood history, and I hope Jigsaw and the Saw Universe live on for many more movies and years to come. Lastly, I'd like to thank all the amazing actors, crew, and Lionsgate executives who have worked with us on 10 movies over the past 20 years — none of this could have happened without you all. We wish James, Leigh and Jason huge success with the continuation of the franchise.'
The 'Saw' franchise follows the actions of serial killer Jigsaw, embodied by the disturbing-looking Billy the Puppet ventriloquist dummy, who puts his victims through dangerous and torturous games to survive. Actor Tobin Bell has voiced Jigsaw in all 10 films.
When Blumhouse and Atomic Monster first began their merger, they did so with the expensive acquisition of 'The Exorcist' franchise, which the brands hoped to revitalize in the way they did with John Carpenter's 'Halloween,' bringing back the original stars and tying the story back into the canon of the first film from director William Friedkin. Those plans were scrapped, and director David Gordon Green exited additional planned sequels after 'The Exorcist: Believer' flopped at the box office. Director Mike Flanagan, however, is stepping in and plans to release a new film in the series early next year.
''Saw' holds a special place in my heart — it's where Leigh and I began our Hollywood journey. Coming back to this world with a fresh perspective is both thrilling and deeply personal,' Wan said. 'For me, this will mark a significant creative return to the 'Saw' franchise for the first time since the early days, and I'm very much looking forward to embracing the original spirit whilst pushing the legacy forward in bold, unexpected ways.'
'The 'Saw' franchise has defined a generation of horror, and its cultural impact continues to grow, making this a strategic investment in one of the most recognizable and successful genre properties of the last two decades,' Blum said in a statement. 'But what really excites me about bringing 'Saw' to Blumhouse is having James and Leigh back in the fold and to see the future of the franchise come to life with their guidance.'
'Over the course of 10 chilling and thrilling 'Saw' films, Oren and Mark have been outstanding partners, producers, and stewards of this billion-dollar franchise, which has played a massive role in Lionsgate history. As they pass the baton to James — whose direction started it all — and to Jason and the team at Blumhouse, Billy couldn't be in more gifted or twisted hands. Game on,' Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement.
Jason Blum recently spoke with press about the state of horror and its future slate of films, which includes a string of sequels in other burgeoning horror franchises for the brand, including 'The Black Phone 2,' 'M3GAN 2.0,' 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2,' and a follow-up to the Octavia Spencer horror film 'Ma.'
CAA Evolution served as sole financial advisor on the transaction.
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