"Saw XI Delayed: Lionsgate and Producer Disputes"

It's hard to believe, but the Saw franchise is taking an unexpected pause. The highly anticipated Saw XI has been officially delayed and will not meet its fall release as initially planned. This isn't due to creative differences; instead, it's a managerial issue that's causing the hold-up.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Saw XI screenwriter Patrick Melton revealed that there has been no progress since May. "It's stalled at a managerial level. It has nothing to do with the creative or anything else. There’s higher-level things at play," Melton stated. He and his writing partner Marcus Dunstan completed a draft of the script back in spring 2024, nearly a year ago. The delay, Melton explained, stems from disputes between the producers and Lionsgate, who can't seem to align their visions for the project.

Originally, frequent franchise director Kevin Gruetert was set to helm Saw XI, with a release date slated for September 2024. However, fans were disappointed when the film's release was pushed back a full year to September 2025. Many hoped this delay would enhance the story, especially following the success of Saw X. The 10th installment revitalized the franchise, earning over $120 million worldwide during its theatrical run, which naturally spurred excitement for Saw XI.

What makes this delay even more frustrating is that Saw XI was poised to address a timely topic. Although plot details remain under wraps, Melton likened the film's narrative to that of Saw VI, which he co-wrote with Dunstan and was directed by Gruetert. In Saw VI, John Kramer, aka Jigsaw (played by Tobin Bell), targeted health insurance executives for their unethical practices.

Melton expressed hope that Saw XI would see the light of day, saying, "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." He elaborated on the film's theme, noting its resonance with Saw VI: "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." Given the current global climate, exploring these themes again could have been particularly impactful, but it seems we may have to wait to see if Saw XI ever comes to fruition.