Blumhouse Shocks Fans by Taking Control of One of Horror’s Biggest Franchises

Horror fans are in for a treat as Blumhouse, the studio behind hits like The Purge and Insidious, has acquired the rights to the Saw franchise.

The deal covers all future films, TV shows, and projects tied to the iconic Jigsaw killer, marking a major shift for the series. Producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg, who’ve steered Saw since its 2004 debut, sold the rights but didn’t disclose the price. “The right time to pass the baton,” Koules said, while Burg expressed a desire to “move on and tell new stories.”

Lionsgate, which distributed all ten Saw films, remains a key player, retaining 50% ownership and handling distribution for future releases. The franchise, known for its grisly traps and psychological twists, has earned over $1 billion globally across box office and home video sales. Notably, 2023’s Saw X stood out, earning strong reviews compared to earlier entries, which often faced mixed or negative feedback.

The acquisition brings Saw back to its roots with the return of creator James Wan, who directed the original film. Wan’s Atomic Monster merged with Blumhouse in 2024, and he’s now set to guide the franchise alongside Leigh Whannell, the first film’s writer.

“Saw holds a special place in my heart,” Wan said. “Coming back to this world with a fresh perspective is both thrilling and deeply personal.” Jason Blum, Blumhouse’s founder, praised the series’ impact, stating, “Saw defined a generation of horror.”

Plans for Saw XI, initially slated for September 2024, hit a snag earlier this year. The film, delayed to September 2025 to accommodate another Lionsgate project, Never Let Go, stalled in March 2025 due to creative disagreements, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Kevin Greutert was attached to direct, with a script draft from writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, but the project’s future was uncertain until now. With Blumhouse’s takeover, Wan and Whannell’s involvement could spark a fresh vision for Jigsaw’s next chapter.

Blumhouse’s acquisition of Saw feels like a game-changer, especially with James Wan back to inject new life into the series. The franchise has had ups and downs, but Saw X showed it can still deliver. I’m hopeful Wan and Whannell will balance the classic Saw vibe with bold ideas, though I worry about keeping the traps fresh.

What do you think about Blumhouse taking over Saw? Are you excited for Wan’s return or curious about what’s next for Jigsaw? Share your thoughts in the comments below!