Latest news with #SawXI
Metro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Inside Saw's future as 'disagreements' over film left horror franchise 'dead'
The Saw films were a staple of 2000s horror, introducing fans to the twisted, torturous traps of the iconic Jigsaw killer. Directed by James Wan and co-written with Leigh Whannell, the first film was released in 2004 in which serial killer Jigsaw imprisoned Adam Stanheight ( Whannell) and Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes) with the purpose of subjecting them to a series of puzzles to escape. Across the franchise, Jigsaw – or John Kramer (Tobin Bell), as the jaw-dropping ending of the first film reveals – has attracted acolytes who have continued his twisted games spanning 10 films so far. Released in 2023, Saw X took us back in time to the period between Saw and Saw II in which Kramer desperately seeks life-saving treatment following his cancer diagnosis, but is instead duped by con artists and enacts his bloody revenge. Soon after its release, an 11th film was announced, but the production of Saw XI has been anything but smooth with delays, a cancellation, and rumours of behind-the-scenes drama. With a potential lifeline for the legendary horror series now in the mix, we take a look at what exactly is going on with Saw XI. Following the runaway success of Saw X, it was confirmed in December 2023 that Saw XI was on its way. Saw X landed the highest Rotten Tomatoes rating for any film in the franchise, grossing a whopping $125million (£92.3m) worldwide. It was announced that Kevin Greutert, who directed the 10th film, would be returning for Saw XI, and Bell would also be reprising his role as the iconic John Kramer. Co-writer Patrick Melton – who penned Saw IV, Saw V, Saw VI, and Saw 3D – teased what fans could expect from the 'very timely' plot of the 11th installment. 'It taps into the same themes of Saw VI, where you're a citizen, you feel angry and frustrated with something, you feel like you can't do anything, and John Kramer's going to do it,' he told The Hollywood Reporter. Given Bell's return, it seems the 11th film was set to be another prequel set between the events of Saw and Saw II, which could have meant we would see Shawnee Smith's Amanda Young hit the big screen again. A post-credit scene from Saw X also saw Costas Mandylor reprise his role as police detective turned Jigsaw disciple Mark Hoffman, which could mean he was set to star in Saw XI though this was never confirmed. Speaking to SFX magazine, producer Oren Koules hinted that it would be a direct follow-up to the events of Saw X. 'Cecilia is still alive and Tobin and Shawnee are in a foreign country still. So that, to me, would be the natural place to take at least the next one,' he revealed. Saw XI was originally set to be released on September 27 of the same year, but was delayed until September this year, it was announced in April 2024. Never Let Go, starring Halle Berry, took the film's original release date. Two Lionsgate titles saw their release dates change in the same announcement – the remake of The Crow and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. After a period of silence over the film, sources told Bloody Disgusting that Saw XI was 'totally, 100% dead' due to disagreements at studio level. The report, released on March 27, claimed 'everything went sideways in January 2024' due to producers fighting. 'It's totally dead,' the insider said. 'It's 100% over. Almost a year now.' They claimed that one producer attempted to 'plough forward' with production, while the other 'put up roadblocks' that halted production. '[Lionsgate] didn't have anyone to smooth over the disagreement,' the source added, claiming 'greed and ego won.' Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Melton confirmed the claims that the movie has 'stalled at a managerial level.' 'The reason it's held up is just, there's inter-squabbling between producers and Lionsgate. They just can't quite get on the same page,' he said. He continued: 'It has nothing to do with the creative or anything else. There's higher-level things at play.' Saw – Netflix and Prime Video Saw II – Netflix Saw III – Netflix Saw IV – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw V – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw VI – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw: 3D – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Jigsaw – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Spiral: From The Book of Saw – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw X – Netflix The writer claimed he and writing partner Marcus Dunstan turned in a draft of the script in 2024, but that he hadn't 'heard anything' since then. Greutert also addressed the apparent cancellation in a Reddit post, writing: 'Let's just say that this past year+ has been among the saddest and most frustrating of my life.' A week after the damning news of the Saw XI cancellation, fans were offered an unusual glimmer of hope. The franchise's killer mascot, Billy the Puppet, posted a cryptic statement suggesting the game is far from over. 'I've seen the rumors. They say it's Game Over. You all should know me better than that. The game is never over,' the tricycle-riding puppet said in a statement shared by Lionsgate. But at the same time, it was announced that Saw XI had been completely removed from Lionsgate's release schedule, seemingly sealing its fate. Which brings us to June 4, 2025, when Deadline reported that Blumhouse is allegedly in the process of acquiring perspective rights to Twisted Pictures' portion of Saw. If the deal goes ahead, Blumhouse would take over the ownership of the franchise rights from Twisted Pictures owners Mark Burg and Oren Koules. Lionsgate would still be involved in the project, seeing as the company owns 50% of the franchise. More Trending If Blumhouse takes over the Saw franchise, and therefore Saw XI, it would mean Saw is reunited with co-creator James Wan following Blumhouse's merger with his company Atomic Monster. It is unknown what stage the deal is at, as Lionsgate, Twisted Pictures, and Blumhouse have not yet addressed the report. It could mean that Saw XI has been brought back from the dead by Blumhouse, famed for titles such as Paranormal Activity, The Purge, Insidious, Sinister, and many more. Metro has contacted representatives for Lionsgate and Blumhouse for comment Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. 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Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Blumhouse acquires Saw franchise rights from Twisted Pictures
Blumhouse is reportedly acquiring the rights to the Saw franchise from Twisted Pictures, marking a major shift in the future of the iconic horror series. According to Deadline, the deal will give Blumhouse ownership of Twisted Pictures' 50% stake in the franchise, while Lionsgate will retain its share and remain a production partner. This move comes after Saw XI was unexpectedly pulled from its planned September 26, 2025 release. Behind-the-scenes disputes between Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures had stalled production and left the fate of the franchise uncertain. With Blumhouse now stepping in, hopes for the return of the Saw series have been reignited. Although no new Saw movie is currently in development, the acquisition suggests Blumhouse has long-term plans for the franchise. Notably, the deal also reconnects Saw with co-creator James Wan. Thanks to the recent merger between Blumhouse and Wan's Atomic Monster production company, Wan is expected to have renewed involvement with the series he helped launch. The Saw franchise began in 2004 and became one of the most successful horror film series of all time. After a successful 10th installment, fans were anticipating Saw XI until development issues paused progress. While details remain scarce, industry insiders believe that Blumhouse's track record with horror franchises could breathe new life into Saw, potentially reuniting fans with the iconic Jigsaw in the near future. More updates are expected as the transition unfolds.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blumhouse Acquiring ‘Saw' Rights From Twisted Pictures
EXCLUSIVE: In a deal that will bring James Wan back in touch with the mega horror IP he first created, we hear from several sources that Blumhouse is acquiring the perspective rights to Twisted Pictures' portion of the Saw franchise. In short, Blumhouse is essentially taking over the IP's ownership from Twisted's Mark Burg and Oren Koules. Lionsgate will continue to be involved as a partner, and in fact owns 50% of the franchise. More from Deadline 'Phasmophobia' Film In The Works: Blumhouse To Adapt Paranormal Horror Game Octavia Spencer Returning For Blumhouse's 'Ma' Sequel Blumhouse Announces First Spanish Language Original Film 'No Me Sigas' From Directors Ximena and Eduardo García Lecuona As of this time, there isn't development on another movie yet. Wan directed the first Saw movie in 2004 and co-wrote with Leigh Whannell. Wan remained an EP on remaining Saw movies. Saw follows the notorious serial killer John 'Jigsaw' Kramer and his cronies. Instead of killing his victims, he traps them in life-threatening tests and games as they try to survive through physical or psychological torture. The Saw franchise not only grossed over $1 billion at the global box office from ten movies, but spawned comic books, video games, theme park attractions, toys, masks and clothing. The first Saw movie opened to $18.6M and made $56M domestic, $104M worldwide. There was a Saw XI movie in development that was previously scheduled for September 2025. However, the project was stalled. Lionsgate and the producers of the Saw franchise didn't see eye-to-eye on the eleventh movie. Saw XI scribes Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan turned in a draft in 2024 with Saw X director Kevin Greutert attached to direct. His 2023 version opened to $18.3M domestic, finaled at $53.6M stateside and went north of $112M global. Best of Deadline List Of Hollywood & Media Layoffs From Paramount To Warner Bros Discovery To CNN & More 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery 2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys, Oscars & More
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
As The Michael Jackson Biopic Faces Rumored Delays, It May Take A Page From Wicked's Playbook As A Fix
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. As it currently stands, director Antoine Fuqua's blockbuster biopic Michael is set to debut on the 2025 movie schedule, in an October 3rd release date. Save for one prior delay that pushed the film from its originally intended April 18th bow, we seemed to know what to expect from the Jaafar Jackson-starring musical. But when rumored legal issues involving Michael's third-act were invoked, that debut was called into question. While the latest rumor doesn't confirm or deny a new move, Michael Jackson's life story may try to replicate the success of Wicked in a novel way. Monitoring the progress of this year's CinemaCon, there were two high profile absences from Tuesday's Lionsgate panel: the supposedly scrapped Saw XI and the Training Day helmer's historical drama. Seeing as Michael's current release date is set for October 3rd, that's a bit concerning. However, chatter out of Deadline suggests that the first cut of the picture clocked in at about four hours. So since Wicked's expansion of a known musical quantity has already made box office gold, there are now rumblings that Michael could be split into two parts itself. That move feels sound when it comes to trying to get Jackson's life and times into a comprehensive, but viewable package. And if the supposed legal challenge that would require a massive reshoot/redraft of the final act is true, that substantial problem could be more easily handled. We know that Michael finished shooting earlier this year, which paired with the buzz from 2024's CinemaCon footage had people hotly anticipating its debut. Depending on who you talk to, the rumored cause for this potential delay is due to how Jordan Chandler's sexual abuse allegations against Jackson were legally prohibited from being depicted in any form. The supposed problem lies in further claims noting that director Antoine Fuqua and writer John Logan's movie reportedly banks its entire final act on that event, and the effects it had on the King of Pop. In a scenario where these claims are proven to be accurate, there would need to be a lot of work to right the ship. So having half a movie that's finished and teasing the rest of the story would be a great compromise that allows such changes. At the same time, if those claims are false and Lionsgate is really just retooling for a new cinematic event, then Michael being split in two still stands to be a potential double win. The dramatic tension that'd come from leaving off on one of Michael Jackson's greatest hits is something that you could see hyping fans up for the next round. Not to mention, between doubling the awards season plays for this picture and riding the wave of audiences that continue to flock to Broadway's MJ: The Musical, this hypothetical scenario starts to make a lot more sense. At least until you start to wonder what will happen if the proposed Michael: Part One doesn't hit as anticipated. We'll be waiting for updates as this story develops, but for now Michael is set to debut as a singular motion picture, starting October 3rd. As for Wicked: For Good, we'll see Elphaba and Glinda reunite on November 21st, as scheduled.
See - Sada Elbalad
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
"Saw XI" Removed from 2025 Release Calendar
Yara Sameh Jigsaw won't be returning to theaters in 2025 after all. 'Saw XI' has been axed from the release calendar. Lionsgate's gory slasher, the 11th installment in the long-running franchise, was scheduled to open on September 26. The studio will instead release another blood-soaked horror film, 'The Strangers – Chapter 2,' on the newly freed date. It's not clear if Lionsgate has plans to unveil 'Saw XI' at any point. The studio greenlit the sequel in 2023 with franchise veteran Kevin Greutert on board to direct. Yet the film's screenwriters Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan recently told the Hollywood Reporter that 'zero progress' had been made since they turned in a draft in the spring of 2024. Billy the Puppet, the ventriloquist dummy used by John 'Jigsaw' Kramer in 'Saw,' is well versed in these reports, which he dismisses as idle chatter. The spooky doll promises he'll eventually return to theaters. 'I've seen the rumors. They say it's Game Over,' Billy the Puppet said in a statement released by Lionsgate. 'You all should know me better than that. The game is never over.' Billy the Puppet is probably right, because 'Saw' has remained a big screen draw for two decades with $1 billion in worldwide ticket sales across 10 films. Most recently, 'Saw X' hit theaters in 2023 and slashed its way to $112 million globally. Anchoring the series is the terrifying serial killer named Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), who puts his victims through deadly games that test their wills to live. 'The Strangers: Chapter 1' opened in theaters last summer and generated $48 million, a better-than-expected sum since the horror film was panned by critics and audiences. Lionsgate intends to turn 'The Strangers' into a standalone trilogy — separate from the studio's 2008 Liv Tyler-led thriller of the same name — with Chapter 3 to follow. The first installment centers on a young couple (Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez), who are forced to spend the night in a remote cabin after their car breaks down in an eerie small town. No surprise, they are terrorized by masked intruders with seemingly no mercy or motive. 'I promise that we're making 'The Strangers—Chapter 2' as terrifying as possible,' Petsch said. 'I can't wait to show you on September 26.' Producers Mark Canton and Courtney Solomon added, 'Like 'Strangers' fans everywhere, we're thrilled for 'Chapter 2' — it's the kind of film that'll have audiences watching through their fingers. Bringing it to theaters this Halloween season is perfect, and we can't wait for everyone to see where the story goes next.' read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) News Ireland Replaces Former Israeli Embassy with Palestinian Museum News Israeli PM Diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer Lifestyle Maguy Farah Reveals 2025 Expectations for Pisces News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
