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Geek Culture
3 days ago
- Business
- Geek Culture
Blumhouse Potentially Acquiring 'Saw' Rights, Reconnecting Co-Creator James Wan With Franchise
In a deal that would mark a full-circle moment for the Saw franchise, Deadline has reported that Blumhouse is in talks to acquire the ownership stake of the intellectual property (IP) from Twisted Pictures. It's an old back-and-forth between the two companies, but if the takeover goes through, the cult horror series will partially be back in the hands of original film director James Wan, also credited as co-creator alongside scribe Leigh Whannell. Lionsgate, distributor of the movies since 2004, is set to remain a partner. Blumhouse, founded by Jason Blum, merged with Wan's production banner, Atomic Monster, early last year. Some of its notable upcoming titles for the year include M3GAN 2.0 , releasing on 27 June, and Five Nights at Freddy's 2 , slated to hit the silver screen in December. As for Saw , it went against the slim odds of an 18-day shoot and a US$1.2 million production budget to become one of the most profitable horror movies of all time. The feature earned a global haul of US$104 million, spawning several sequels that centred on trapped victims of notorious serial killer John 'Jigsaw' Kramer trying to survive through physical or psychological torture. The first follow-up, titled Saw II , debuted one year later in October 2005, with the last instalment being 2023's Saw X . An 11th film was previously in development for September 2025, but is no longer on the release slate after conflicting producer visions stalled the process. Veteran actor Tobin Bell was originally set to reprise his role as Jigsaw, and while it's unclear how things will now pan out, Billy the Puppet — the ventriloquist dummy used in the films by Jigsaw — assured fans that 'the game is never over'. Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really. Atomic Monster Blumhouse productions James Wan Saw
Metro
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Brutal horror film with 'diabolical gore' finally arrives on Netflix
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A 'brutal' and 'bloody' horror film has finally arrived on Netflix to turn your stomach. Saw X, released in 2023, is the tenth installment in the wildly popular 'torture porn' franchise Saw, which began in 2004. The latest film took us back in time and saw the return of Tobin Bell as John Kramer, aka the terrifying Jigsaw killer, whose elaborate traps and trials have given us numerous nightmare-inducing moments in horror cinema. Saw X is set between the events of Saw and Saw II and sees Kramer travel to Mexico in search of a miracle cure following his cancer diagnosis. When he discovers the entire medical procedure he undergoes is a scam, he seeks bloody vengeance against those involved with another set of his infamous traps. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. The film is now available to watch on Netflix – but its not for the faint-hearted, with critics dubbing it 'thoroughly unpleasant.' It currently holds an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critic's consensus reading: 'Led by a franchise-best performance from Tobin Bell, Saw X reinvigorates the series with an installment that has a surprising amount of heart to go with all the gore.' In their review, The New York Times wrote: 'This is the most well-groomed Saw movie to date. The story mostly makes sense and [Kevin] Greutert pulls back on the frenetic editing techniques that made the older movies look like the blood and guts equivalent of white noise.' Bloody Disgusting added: 'Saw X delivers a franchise high, and that's no small feat ten installments deep. There's a comfortable sense of awareness and humor found in a sequel that utilizes its pared-back simplicity to showcase the characters and gore.' FlickDirect said Saw X is 'probably one of the best Saw films in over ten years', while Film Inquiry lauded its 'brutal, surgical precision and typically excellent practical effects.' The Hollywood Reporter wrote that 'the diabolical gore is as creative and brutal as ever,' with many agreeing this was a particularly bloody entry in the world of Saw. Saw – Netflix and Amazon Prime Video Saw II – Netflix Saw III – Netflix Saw IV – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Saw V – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Saw VI – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Saw 3D – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Jigsaw – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Spiral – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Saw X – Netflix Speaking to Metro ahead of the film's release, producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg shared their famous bloody kills and convoluted traps from across the franchise. 'My favorite trap, or the scariest trap for me, is in Saw I,' Oren reflected. 'The guy laying on the floor, when Amanda takes the key out of the guy's stomach and takes the head trap off, that's me on the floor getting my stomach cut open. 'So, I have a very personal attachment to that trap.' More Trending 'My scariest trap was one where we call the Twisty Tim, where he was on a cross and we just bent his arms, and kept twisting his arms around until they snapped out of the sockets,' Mark added. 'To me, that just would scare the hell out of me.' It comes as a report from Bloody Disgusting states Saw XI has been cancelled, citing citing lack of progress on the project and studio disagreements. Saw X is available to stream now on Netflix 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. MORE: WWE Backlash 2025 preview and UK start time for 'last time ever' match MORE: 'Shocking' movie with disturbing twists finally streaming on Netflix today MORE: Critics demand their 'therapy bills paid for' after watching gruesome horror sequel
