Blumhouse Revitalizes Saw Franchise, Brings Co-Creator James Wan Back

Blumhouse Productions' Jason Blum confirms original director James Wan will be "hugely involved" in the future of the beloved horror saga.

Modern horror powerhouse Blumhouse Productions is set to reinvent the iconic Saw franchise, with a major focus on bringing back its original creative vision. Jason Blum, the studio's owner, recently confirmed that James Wan, co-creator and director of the first film, will play a significant role in the series' future.

This news follows Blumhouse's acquisition of the Saw property, which officially "canceled" plans for an eleventh installment, paving the way for a fresh direction under new leadership. Fans can anticipate a return to the roots of the universe James Wan created in 2004.

Blumhouse's Strategic Acquisition and Vision for Saw's Future Jason Blum, the CEO of Blumhouse, discussed his plans for the Saw franchise with Variety.

Blumhouse Productions, known for reinventing the microbudget horror model, recently secured the rights to the Saw franchise. This significant move took place in June 2025, when Blumhouse bought Twisted Pictures' stake in the property. Lionsgate, a co-owner and distributor since the series' inception, will continue as an equal partner, retaining 50 percent ownership.

The acquisition signals a clear shift for the franchise, which has collectively grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing horror film series of all time. With ten Movies under its belt, the series is now poised for a creative overhaul.

James Wan's Deep Involvement is Key to the Reinvention Strategy

Jason Blum's strategy for revitalizing the Saw series is straightforward yet impactful: involve the original creators. Speaking to Variety, Blum articulated his creative outlook, stating, "My creative outlook is what I always preach: Get the people who made the magic in the first place more involved. James Wan [the original director] will be hugely involved. That's how we're going to reinvent it."

This commitment means that James Wan, who co-created the franchise with Leigh Whannell in 2004, will guide the next chapter in a way he hasn't done since the early films. Wan himself expressed excitement about this return, saying, "Coming back to this world with a fresh perspective is both thrilling and deeply personal. 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."

Wan has remained an executive producer on the subsequent Saw movies but has not returned to direct any entries after the original. His "hugely involved" role suggests a hands-on creative input, possibly even as a writer, aiming to bring back the "magic" that defined the initial films.

The Cancellation of Saw XI and the Path to a New Beginning

Before Blumhouse's acquisition, Saw XI was confirmed by Lionsgate in December 2023, slated as a direct sequel with a release date set for September 2025. Kevin Greutert, who directed Saw VI, Saw 3D, and the positively reviewed Saw X, was set to direct. Longtime writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan were also expected to return.

However, creative disagreements between the previous producers at Twisted Pictures and Lionsgate led to the project's shelving. This stalled development ultimately opened the door for Blumhouse to acquire the rights, effectively canceling Saw XI and resetting the course for the franchise. The success of Saw X, which grossed $112 million globally in 2023, highlighted continued fan interest, making the timing ripe for a strategic reinvention.

Blumhouse's Proven Expertise in Revitalizing Iconic Horror Properties

Blumhouse has a strong track record of successful horror films and franchise reboots.

Blumhouse Productions has carved out a distinct niche in modern horror by championing a microbudget model and successfully revitalizing established IPs. Their impressive filmography includes original hits like The Black Phone, Get Out, and Sinister, alongside successful franchises such as The Purge, Insidious, and Paranormal Activity.

The studio also demonstrated its ability to reimagine legacy horror with 2018's Halloween, which delivered a solid, well-received reboot. While their relaunch of The Exorcist with The Exorcist: Believer faced challenges, it has not deterred Blum from pursuing major horror franchises with his unique creative approach.

Blum's philosophy of bringing back original talent has proven effective in the past. The involvement of James Wan, whose production company Atomic Monster recently merged with Blumhouse, is a testament to this strategy. This merger further solidifies the collaborative potential for future horror projects.

Beyond Saw: Blumhouse's Diverse Lineup and Dream Franchises

Jason Blum is keeping busy with several highly anticipated projects. Horror fans can look forward to Five Nights at Freddy's 2, which is set to impress audiences this December. Other upcoming releases under the Blumhouse banner include Lee Cronin's revival of The Mummy and Rob Savage's Other Mommy.

While M3GAN 2.0 did not perform as exceptionally at the box office as its predecessor, Blum remains optimistic about the future of the wicked robot. He confidently stated, "M3GAN will ride again. I'll find a way." He previously acknowledged that the studio might have "overthought how powerful people's engagement was, really, with her" on the sequel.

Blum also revealed his "white whales" in the horror genre: Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street. "We're always haggling. I make a run at them every day. I will never give up the quest. And if they make one without me, I'll chase the next movie," he shared, highlighting his relentless pursuit of these iconic properties. He also lamented losing out on the rights for a Texas Chainsaw Massacre reboot, with A24 expected to be the winner there. Additionally, Blum confirmed that Blumhouse no longer holds the rights to the Halloween franchise after completing their three-picture deal.

What This Reinvention Means for Longtime Saw Fans

Blumhouse's reinvention of Saw under James Wan's "hugely involved" guidance suggests a significant creative reset rather than a traditional reboot. This approach aims to honor the first film's original spirit while pushing the legacy forward in bold, unexpected ways. The focus appears to be on a tonal or structural shift that recaptures the psychological horror elements that defined the early movies.

Leigh Whannell, who co-created the franchise and penned the first three films, is also expected to return in some capacity, further emphasizing a return to the series' foundational talent. With Blumhouse at the helm and its original architects back in the fold, longtime Saw fans can likely expect a more focused, character-driven return to form that echoes the compelling terror of the very first movie.

While specific plot or timeline details for the next installment are yet to be revealed, the collaborative vision promises an exciting new chapter for the Jigsaw Killer's universe. This new era for Saw is about evolving the franchise while staying true to its terrifying roots, all under the experienced guidance of its original masterminds.

A Look Back at the Saw Franchise Films

• Saw (2004)
• Saw 2 (2005)
• Saw 3 (2006)
• Saw 4 (2007)
• Saw 5 (2008)
• Saw 6 (2009)
• Saw 3D (2010)
• Jigsaw (2017)
• Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)
• Saw X (2023)

Saw is currently available for streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ in select regions, starting October 1.