After a conflict about Lionsgate release date for Saw XI that went to The Strangers: Chapter 2 (releasing on September 26, 2025), Blumhouse acquires Saw rights from Twisted Pictures.
The deal was led by CAA Evolution and is now successfully closed. Lionsgate retains 50 percent of the rights, which include ten movies, collectively having gained $1 billion worldwide.
Lionsgate’s part in Blumhouse’s acquisition of Saw franchise
Saw franchise ownership is transferred to Blumhouse and includes the shares of future films. Twisted Pictures began exploring its stake sale in the Saw franchise last year, initiating discussions with Blumhouse. However, negotiations were complicated by disagreements over the valuation of the franchise.
Lionsgate will remain a partner for the merchandise as well, together with the earnings from video games, comic books, theme park attractions, toys, masks, and clothing. Lionsgate will maintain a 50 percent stake in the franchise, which will apply to both property partnerships and film distribution rights.
James Wan’s Atomic Monster merged with Blumhouse last year, as per Deadline. Atomic Monster is an American and television production company founded by James Wan in 2014. The company gave us the brilliant Conjuring Universe, Malignant (2021), and M3gan.
Blumhouse CEO and founder, Jason Blum, has recognized Saw as “one of the most recognizable and successful genre properties” for the past twenty years. He considers Wan and Leigh’s comeback a reinvigoration for the franchise.
Adam Fogelson, the chairperson of Lionsgate Picture Group, acknowledges that Oren and Mark have done a great job with the Saw movies. Now the control is again in Wan’s hands, and he is confident that the creative side will strengthen further. He said “game on” as a fun nod to the new Saw franchise.
Oren Koules is happy with the deal
View this post on Instagram
James Wan was the director of first Saw film in 2004. It was written by Leigh Whannell. Previous Saw producer, Oren Koules was happy with the decision that the franchise is returning to its original creators.
He said,
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built with Lionsgate over the past 20 years and deeply grateful to the fans who’ve been with us since the beginning. It’s especially meaningful to see the franchise return to its original creators, James and Leigh, and I can’t think of a better partner than Jason to lead Saw into its next chapter.” [Source]
Mark Burg, the previous producer, also showed delight in the fact that they met James and Leigh Whannell a few years ago for the first Saw movie. He believes that the time has come to “tell new stories” and move on to their own different ways.
He thanked all the staff, crew, and actors who have helped Saw franchise stand where it is today. He knew that they couldn’t have achieved anything without them. He wished the same success for the franchise’s continuation.
Is there a Saw franchise creative dispute?
Yes, a creative dispute between Lionsgate and the producers of Saw XI led to the reported “inter-squabbling” between both parties. It made it difficult to keep the reproduction and direction of Saw XI on track.
Saw XI production stalled despite several efforts from Lionsgate Studios to mediate the dispute between Koules and Burg, who were at odds. One was trying to take the project further, while the other kept causing problems.
This did not affect the content of the next installment but only the release schedule. There are rumors that it could lead to a Saw franchise reboot as well.
How will the Saw franchise change now that Blumhouse acquires Saw rights?
Blumhouse’s horror franchise strategy is simple. It makes massively profitable movies with low production costs that the fans have enjoyed for years. Some of the most notable ones are Split (2016), Insidious: The Last Key (2018), and The Purge (2013).
Saw reboot potential with this strategy changes the game. Saw X was known as the best movie of the franchise to date, for which Blumhouse needs to do better in collaboration with Lionsgate to continue with the same success ratio into the future.
James Wan is back on board, and the independent horror franchise is in his hands now. It will be a shame that despite going through all the trouble of striking the best possible deal, Wan and Blumhouse could not make the same dark and gritty horror film that now gets less frequent sequels with time.
Wan expressed his excitement by citing that Saw has a “special place” in his heart. Taking the legacy into his own hands again means that there will be a fresh perspective to the storytelling and push it forward boldly and unexpectedly.
What do you think about the deal? Let us know in the comments below.
Passionate Entertainment Writer | Trusted Pop Culture Voice
Madiha Ali is an experienced entertainment writer with over five years of expertise in covering movies, TV shows, celebrity news, and pop culture. Her bylines appear on trusted platforms like High on Films, Ary News, The Express Tribune, Tea and Banter, Show Snob, CelebFeedz, Snapfeedz, Daily Planet Media, The Irish Insider, and Movie Insiderz.
She brings a personal, insightful approach to every story—whether she’s analyzing the emotional layers of a film or giving her take on trending celebrity headlines. Madiha’s writing style is known for being authentic, well-researched, and reader-focused.
When she’s not writing, she’s fully immersed in the world of entertainment—watching new releases, revisiting classics, exploring behind-the-scenes content, or reading books that fuel her creativity. Her passion for storytelling drives her work and helps her stay connected to what matters most in the industry.
Madiha believes great stories start conversations, challenge perspectives, and stay with us long after the credits roll. Through her writing, she continues to share those stories with clarity, depth, and heart.
Expertise in Entertainment Journalism
Published on Trusted Media Platforms
Audience-Focused & Original Voice
Dedicated to Quality Content
Discover more from MovieInsiderz - Latest Movie Reviews, News & Box Office Updates
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
