Since the release of Saw X in 2023, fans have been eager to see what direction the long-running franchise will take next. So, many were disappointed when Lionsgate announced that the date for the eleventh film would be pushed back from September 27, 2024, to September 26, 2025.
Unfortunately, we're already in February, and there haven't been any official updates on what's next for Saw XI. It's not a great sign that the latest movie hasn't gone into production yet, as it suggests that Saw XI will have to be postponed again.
Scream Magazine is now sharing that a "reliable source" told them it is becoming increasingly unlikely that we'll see more Saw this year. Not only are there rumors of behind-the-scene discord, but star Tobin Bell's advancing age is reportedly becoming a concern. The actor, who has played the titular serial killer John Kramer, also known as Jigsaw, allegedly had some serious difficulties while filming the tenth movie. Bell turned 82 last August.
However, in January of this year, Bell confirmed his intentions to return for Saw XI, saying that his character's story "is not done." There's no reason to doubt Bell's words, meaning that, for now anyway, we shouldn't speculate too much on the man's health! If he says he'll be back, he'll be back. If an official statement says otherwise, we can cross that bridge when we arrive.
As for the rumors regarding a troubled production of the movie, those have been circulating for much longer on social media websites like Reddit and X. That doesn't necessarily mean any of it is true, but it is strange that we haven't heard a real peep about this movie.
In December 2024, Saw XI director Kevin Greutert tweeted out the final still from Saw X (well, the final still before the post-credits scene) showing John, Amanda, and Carlos walking out of the clinic into the sunlight. Many took that image as a "goodbye" of sorts, theorizing that Greutert was saying that shot might now be the last time we see those characters.
It's a pretty big leap to make over one tweet, but when you combine that with the radio silence from all parties involved, you can see why people might think it has a deeper meaning.
The other aspect of this, which Scream Mag mentions in their article, is that Saw distributor Lionsgate has been struggling at the box office as of late, with the outlet noting that the company "lost over $100 million this past summer due to the underperformance of several high-profile releases."
That being said, if Lionsgate is concerned about financials, you'd think they would want to move full-steam ahead on the next Saw, as it is one of the highest-grossing horror franchises of all time.
Should things get back on track, expect Saw XI to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, which became the first Saw film ever to receive a "Certified Fresh" seal of approval from Rotten Tomatoes.
Stay tuned to 1428 Elm for more details on the Saw franchise, we'll keep you posted as soon as we learn anything new!