Saw XI 'Stalled at a Managerial Level' Due to Lionsgate and Producer Tensions

It's official: the Saw franchise is on hold, at least for now. The upcoming Saw XI, originally slated for a fall release, has been indefinitely stalled. This isn't a creative roadblock, according to screenwriter Patrick Melton, who told The Hollywood Reporter that the issue stems from "higher-level things" – specifically, disagreements between producers and Lionsgate. Melton and his writing partner, Marcus Dunstan, submitted a script draft nearly a year ago, in Spring 2024. The delay, he explains, is due to managerial disputes and an inability to reach consensus.

Kevin Gruetert, a frequent director in the franchise, was attached to the project in December 2023, initially setting a September 2024 release date. The subsequent delay to September 2025 disappointed fans, especially given the success of *Saw X*, which grossed over $120 million globally. This box office triumph fueled anticipation for *Saw XI*.

The eleventh installment was poised to tackle timely themes. While plot specifics remain under wraps, Melton hinted at similarities to Saw VI (which he and Dunstan wrote, and Gruetert directed), focusing on John Kramer's revenge against health insurance executives. Melton expressed hope that Saw XI will eventually see the light of day, highlighting its relevant storyline: "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." The potential exploration of these themes in the context of current events makes the current situation all the more frustrating for fans.