Latest news with #SawII
Metro
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Inside Saw's future as 'disagreements' over film left horror franchise 'dead'
The Saw films were a staple of 2000s horror, introducing fans to the twisted, torturous traps of the iconic Jigsaw killer. Directed by James Wan and co-written with Leigh Whannell, the first film was released in 2004 in which serial killer Jigsaw imprisoned Adam Stanheight ( Whannell) and Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes) with the purpose of subjecting them to a series of puzzles to escape. Across the franchise, Jigsaw – or John Kramer (Tobin Bell), as the jaw-dropping ending of the first film reveals – has attracted acolytes who have continued his twisted games spanning 10 films so far. Released in 2023, Saw X took us back in time to the period between Saw and Saw II in which Kramer desperately seeks life-saving treatment following his cancer diagnosis, but is instead duped by con artists and enacts his bloody revenge. Soon after its release, an 11th film was announced, but the production of Saw XI has been anything but smooth with delays, a cancellation, and rumours of behind-the-scenes drama. With a potential lifeline for the legendary horror series now in the mix, we take a look at what exactly is going on with Saw XI. Following the runaway success of Saw X, it was confirmed in December 2023 that Saw XI was on its way. Saw X landed the highest Rotten Tomatoes rating for any film in the franchise, grossing a whopping $125million (£92.3m) worldwide. It was announced that Kevin Greutert, who directed the 10th film, would be returning for Saw XI, and Bell would also be reprising his role as the iconic John Kramer. Co-writer Patrick Melton – who penned Saw IV, Saw V, Saw VI, and Saw 3D – teased what fans could expect from the 'very timely' plot of the 11th installment. '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,' he told The Hollywood Reporter. Given Bell's return, it seems the 11th film was set to be another prequel set between the events of Saw and Saw II, which could have meant we would see Shawnee Smith's Amanda Young hit the big screen again. A post-credit scene from Saw X also saw Costas Mandylor reprise his role as police detective turned Jigsaw disciple Mark Hoffman, which could mean he was set to star in Saw XI though this was never confirmed. Speaking to SFX magazine, producer Oren Koules hinted that it would be a direct follow-up to the events of Saw X. 'Cecilia is still alive and Tobin and Shawnee are in a foreign country still. So that, to me, would be the natural place to take at least the next one,' he revealed. Saw XI was originally set to be released on September 27 of the same year, but was delayed until September this year, it was announced in April 2024. Never Let Go, starring Halle Berry, took the film's original release date. Two Lionsgate titles saw their release dates change in the same announcement – the remake of The Crow and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. After a period of silence over the film, sources told Bloody Disgusting that Saw XI was 'totally, 100% dead' due to disagreements at studio level. The report, released on March 27, claimed 'everything went sideways in January 2024' due to producers fighting. 'It's totally dead,' the insider said. 'It's 100% over. Almost a year now.' They claimed that one producer attempted to 'plough forward' with production, while the other 'put up roadblocks' that halted production. '[Lionsgate] didn't have anyone to smooth over the disagreement,' the source added, claiming 'greed and ego won.' Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Melton confirmed the claims that the movie has 'stalled at a managerial level.' 'The reason it's held up is just, there's inter-squabbling between producers and Lionsgate. They just can't quite get on the same page,' he said. He continued: 'It has nothing to do with the creative or anything else. There's higher-level things at play.' Saw – Netflix and Prime Video Saw II – Netflix Saw III – Netflix Saw IV – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw V – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw VI – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw: 3D – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Jigsaw – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Spiral: From The Book of Saw – Available to rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Saw X – Netflix The writer claimed he and writing partner Marcus Dunstan turned in a draft of the script in 2024, but that he hadn't 'heard anything' since then. Greutert also addressed the apparent cancellation in a Reddit post, writing: 'Let's just say that this past year+ has been among the saddest and most frustrating of my life.' A week after the damning news of the Saw XI cancellation, fans were offered an unusual glimmer of hope. The franchise's killer mascot, Billy the Puppet, posted a cryptic statement suggesting the game is far from over. 'I've seen the rumors. They say it's Game Over. You all should know me better than that. The game is never over,' the tricycle-riding puppet said in a statement shared by Lionsgate. But at the same time, it was announced that Saw XI had been completely removed from Lionsgate's release schedule, seemingly sealing its fate. Which brings us to June 4, 2025, when Deadline reported that Blumhouse is allegedly in the process of acquiring perspective rights to Twisted Pictures' portion of Saw. If the deal goes ahead, Blumhouse would take over the ownership of the franchise rights from Twisted Pictures owners Mark Burg and Oren Koules. Lionsgate would still be involved in the project, seeing as the company owns 50% of the franchise. More Trending If Blumhouse takes over the Saw franchise, and therefore Saw XI, it would mean Saw is reunited with co-creator James Wan following Blumhouse's merger with his company Atomic Monster. It is unknown what stage the deal is at, as Lionsgate, Twisted Pictures, and Blumhouse have not yet addressed the report. It could mean that Saw XI has been brought back from the dead by Blumhouse, famed for titles such as Paranormal Activity, The Purge, Insidious, Sinister, and many more. Metro has contacted representatives for Lionsgate and Blumhouse for comment Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Jennifer Lopez already tipped for an Oscar after Kiss of the Spider Woman trailer MORE: Fans of iconic 70s band blast 'awful' biopic casting of Nick Jonas as rock legend MORE: Box office bomb with 40% on Rotten Tomatoes set to hit streamers after scandal
Metro
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Brutal horror film with 'diabolical gore' finally arrives on Netflix
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A 'brutal' and 'bloody' horror film has finally arrived on Netflix to turn your stomach. Saw X, released in 2023, is the tenth installment in the wildly popular 'torture porn' franchise Saw, which began in 2004. The latest film took us back in time and saw the return of Tobin Bell as John Kramer, aka the terrifying Jigsaw killer, whose elaborate traps and trials have given us numerous nightmare-inducing moments in horror cinema. Saw X is set between the events of Saw and Saw II and sees Kramer travel to Mexico in search of a miracle cure following his cancer diagnosis. When he discovers the entire medical procedure he undergoes is a scam, he seeks bloody vengeance against those involved with another set of his infamous traps. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. The film is now available to watch on Netflix – but its not for the faint-hearted, with critics dubbing it 'thoroughly unpleasant.' It currently holds an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critic's consensus reading: 'Led by a franchise-best performance from Tobin Bell, Saw X reinvigorates the series with an installment that has a surprising amount of heart to go with all the gore.' In their review, The New York Times wrote: 'This is the most well-groomed Saw movie to date. The story mostly makes sense and [Kevin] Greutert pulls back on the frenetic editing techniques that made the older movies look like the blood and guts equivalent of white noise.' Bloody Disgusting added: 'Saw X delivers a franchise high, and that's no small feat ten installments deep. There's a comfortable sense of awareness and humor found in a sequel that utilizes its pared-back simplicity to showcase the characters and gore.' FlickDirect said Saw X is 'probably one of the best Saw films in over ten years', while Film Inquiry lauded its 'brutal, surgical precision and typically excellent practical effects.' The Hollywood Reporter wrote that 'the diabolical gore is as creative and brutal as ever,' with many agreeing this was a particularly bloody entry in the world of Saw. Saw – Netflix and Amazon Prime Video Saw II – Netflix Saw III – Netflix Saw IV – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Saw V – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Saw VI – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Saw 3D – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Jigsaw – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Spiral – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Saw X – Netflix Speaking to Metro ahead of the film's release, producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg shared their famous bloody kills and convoluted traps from across the franchise. 'My favorite trap, or the scariest trap for me, is in Saw I,' Oren reflected. 'The guy laying on the floor, when Amanda takes the key out of the guy's stomach and takes the head trap off, that's me on the floor getting my stomach cut open. 'So, I have a very personal attachment to that trap.' More Trending 'My scariest trap was one where we call the Twisty Tim, where he was on a cross and we just bent his arms, and kept twisting his arms around until they snapped out of the sockets,' Mark added. 'To me, that just would scare the hell out of me.' It comes as a report from Bloody Disgusting states Saw XI has been cancelled, citing citing lack of progress on the project and studio disagreements. Saw X is available to stream now on Netflix Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: WWE Backlash 2025 preview and UK start time for 'last time ever' match MORE: 'Shocking' movie with disturbing twists finally streaming on Netflix today MORE: Critics demand their 'therapy bills paid for' after watching gruesome horror sequel
