After two less than inspiring attempts to revive the iconic Saw franchise with 2017's Jigsaw and 2020's Chris Rock star vehicle Spiral: From The Boo
After two less than inspiring attempts to revive the iconic Saw franchise with 2017’s Jigsaw and 2020’s Chris Rock star vehicle Spiral: From The Book Of Saw, it had seemed for a spell as if Jigsaw’s days of morally iffy self-mutilation mongering were finally over. But if this horror saga has taught us one thing, it’s that nobody — not even Saw itself — is ever really dead. And now, after a sturdy fan response to Kevin Greutert’s 2023 offering Saw X, a whole novel era of effed-up fun and gruesome games awaits as genre behemoth Blumhouse has just bought Twisted Pictures’ share of the rights to the franchise.
Per Deadline‘s reporting, the deal Jason Blum’s studio has struck will see Blumhouse acquire the rights to any and all future Saw projects across film, TV, games, theme park attractions, all of it, with longtime franchise co-custodians Lionsgate still aboard as production and distribution partners. This electrifying novel deal will also, most interestingly, see Saw‘s OG co-creator James Wan — whose Atomic Monster production company merged with Blumhouse last year — make a proper artistic return to the world of Billy the Puppet and co for the first time since his ‘story by’ credit on 2006’s Saw III.
“Saw holds a special place in my heart — it’s where Leigh and I began our Hollywood journey,” said Wan in a statement accompanying Blumhouse’s acquisition of Saw. “Coming back to this world with a fresh perspective is both thrilling and deeply personal. For me, this will mark a significant creative return to the Saw franchise for the first time since the early days, and I’m very much looking forward to embracing the original spirit whilst pushing the legacy forward in bold, unexpected ways.”
And not only can fans expect Wan to put his head back in the figurative reverse-bear trap on future Saw projects, but — if Blumhouse CEO Jason Blum’s own statement is anything to go by — also Wan’s former partner in crime Leigh Whannell, who has of course been working extensively with Blum in recent years on projects like The Invisible Man and Wolf Man. “The Saw franchise has defined a generation of horror, and its cultural impact continues to grow, making this a strategic investment in one of the most recognizable and successful genre properties of the last two decades,” said Blum. “But what really excites me about bringing Saw to Blumhouse is having James and Leigh back in the fold and to see the future of the franchise come to life with their guidance.”
Blumhouse at the helm? Whannell and Wan back to lend a hand steer the ship? Embracing the original spirit and pushing the Saw legacy forward? Forget Jigsaw wanting to play a game — we want to play a game now. Watch this space! *Alexa, play ‘Hello Zepp’*
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