Saw 11 is Cancelled… How Did this Happen
After two decades and ten movies of soap opera-esque storytelling and reinventing the limits of what the horror genre could be, the Saw franchise faces its likely conclusion. As of early March this year, sources told Bloody Disgusting that the scheduled Saw 11 is “totally dead… 100% over.” Saw X was not only a hit at the box office, grossing over $120 million worldwide against a budget of only $13 million but with critics and fans alike, scoring in the 80% with both. That was the highest for the franchise, blowing the other entries in the franchise out in the critic’s score by over 30%. All this to say, the franchise was seemingly back financially and critically, so what happened?
In the reporting from Bloody Disgusting, it appears there was infighting amongst the producers that stalled the production of the next installment before it’s cancellation. Originally the 11th movie was planned to release in the spring of 2024 with Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, and Costas Mandylor ready to return and reprise their roles. The movie was then delayed and pushed back to September 2025. The producers were split, some wanting to push ahead with the movie while others stalled production, causing the delays. In the end, Lionsgate didn’t offer much support in the disputes, and unfortunately, the project has seemingly died. The writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan have all but confirmed this, saying no progress on the script has been made since they submitted their draft back in the spring of 2024. There are always opportunities for a resurrection from a new studio, however, given Tobin Bell is 82, it would likely have to come from a reboot or remake instead of a sequel or another interquel. We’ve seen the Saw franchise operate without him and it never felt right. He was the heart of the franchise, and even with several open storylines left unresolved, it doesn’t feel right to move on without him, especially after his latest performance.
The Legacy of Saw and the Horror Genre
As a result of the cancellation of Saw 11, the current longest-running mega-horror franchise may come to an end, and possibly for good. When Saw was released in 2004, audiences had grown tired of Freddy, Jason, and Michael, and were eager for something new. The term “Torture Porn” was coined in a 2006 article by David Edelstein, which highlighted this type of horror that, although previously reserved for smaller theaters, was now being screened nationwide. Edelstein noted, “I’d found myself in similar places many times during the past few years, at The Devil’s Rejects, Saw, Wolf Creek, and even (dare I blaspheme?) The Passion of the Christ.” The success of Saw helped filmmakers understand what boundaries they could push. This realization is evident in the progression of the sequels, as each film took things one step further than its predecessor. Saw established a successful formula, and it worked.
The impact of Saw can still be felt today, particularly with the rapid rise and popularity of Art the Clown and the Terrifier films. One of the major reasons the Terrifier films have garnered such a massive following is the same shock factor that characterized the Saw movies. The first Terrifier film showcased the horrific acts committed by its antagonist, and with each sequel, audiences eagerly anticipate the next disturbing and twisted exploits that Art will commit. Much like Jigsaw and his traps, viewers are fascinated by how the characters will respond to their situations or attempt at survival. Even before Art the Clown emerged, Saw influenced other films, such as Adam Green’s Hatchet (2006) franchise, which also features practical effects and over-the-top violence. Saw set the stage for the current state of the horror genre, and its legacy will continue to inspire future filmmakers and studios to push the boundaries of what is acceptable and explore the darkest desires of audiences.
I've always been a movie fan, but I first got big into cinema watching Whiplash when I was younger. That movie led to a greater appreciation of films and got me to dive into the medium. My favorite genre is horror movies, but I’ll always have a secret soft spot for rom coms and musicals. When I'm not podcasting or watching movies, I love working out and going hiking, and I currently work in business analytics with the degree I got from Western New England University.
MY FAVORITE MOVIES: Good Will Hunting, Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse, Whiplash, Moneyball, Top Gun: Maverick
Ever since my mom took me to go see The Blair Witch Project in theaters when I was 7 years old I’ve been obsessed with not just movies but the horror genre. When I’m not watching movies you can find me thrifting, attending a local horror convention, or collecting physical media. I attended the University of Central Florida with a degree in Cinema Studies and use my degree to rant about movies online.
MY FAVORITE MOVIES: The Cabin in the Woods, Cabaret, Seven Samurai, The Blair Witch Project, Inglourious Basterds