Blumhouse Acquires Saw Franchise Rights; Wan & Whannell Return

A major shift is underway for one of modern horror’s most enduring franchises. Blumhouse Productions, the studio behind hits like Paranormal Activity, Insidious, and Get Out, has officially acquired a significant stake in the Saw series, signaling a new era for the trap-filled saga.

This strategic move sees Blumhouse purchasing the 50% share of the Saw franchise previously owned by Twisted Pictures. Long-time partner and distributor Lionsgate will retain its existing 50% stake, forming a new co-ownership partnership with Blumhouse for all future projects related to the intellectual property, including films, television shows, and other ventures featuring the iconic Jigsaw character.

Original Creators James Wan & Leigh Whannell Back in the Fold

Perhaps the most thrilling aspect of this acquisition for long-time fans is the confirmed return of the franchise’s original architects, James Wan and Leigh Whannell. Wan directed the original 2004 film from Whannell’s script, launching both the series and their careers. Now, with Wan’s Atomic Monster having merged with Blumhouse, the duo are being brought back to help guide the creative future of the Saw universe.

James Wan commented on his return, stating that Saw holds a “special place” in his heart and that revisiting this world feels both “thrilling and deeply personal.” He expressed excitement about embracing the original spirit of Saw while simultaneously pushing its legacy forward in “bold and unexpected ways.” This marks a significant creative return for Wan since his early involvement.

Resolving Franchise Uncertainty

The timing of this deal comes after a period of uncertainty for the franchise. While the tenth installment, Saw X, released in 2023, was both a critical and commercial success, plans for the next film, Saw XI, which was scheduled for September 2025, hit a roadblock and were subsequently pulled from the schedule. Reports indicated that disagreements and “inter-squabbling” between the previous co-owners, Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures, were stalling development, despite the creative team being ready to move forward.

The decision by Twisted Pictures co-founders Oren Koules and Mark Burg to sell their share was reportedly motivated by a desire to “pass the baton” after 20 years and “move on and tell new stories,” particularly after the success of Saw X. This acquisition by Blumhouse effectively resolves the previous ownership disputes, clearing the path for future Saw productions.

What’s Next for Jigsaw?

With Blumhouse’s expertise in low-budget, high-return horror and Lionsgate’s established distribution, coupled with the creative guidance of Wan and Whannell, the Saw franchise is poised for a potentially revitalized future. While no specific new film or project has been officially announced since Saw XI was delayed, the groundwork is now laid for development under this new partnership.

The Saw franchise is a proven powerhouse, with its ten films grossing over $1 billion worldwide and extending its reach into comic books, video games, and theme park attractions. The deal ensures the franchise’s future productions will benefit from a unified creative vision rooted in its origins, steered by some of the most successful names in contemporary horror. (Note: Rights to the existing film library involve Content Partners in addition to Lionsgate and Mark Burg, separate from the future production rights acquired by Blumhouse).

This partnership between Blumhouse and Lionsgate, empowered by the return of its original creators, signals an exciting, stable path forward for the long-running horror series and the intricate, deadly legacy of Jigsaw.