The plot details and timeline forSaw XIhave been revealed in light of the film’s stalled development. TheSawfranchise appeared reinvigorated bySaw X, with Tobin Bell’s John Kramer returning. The film was critically acclaimed —Saw Xearned the series' first “Fresh” Rotten Tomatoes score— and a box office success, grossing over $125 million on a $13 million budget.
Naturally, anticipation soared for the next installment,Saw XI, which was scheduled for release on Sept. 27, 2024, and later pushed back to Sept. 26, 2025. However, in August 2024,development onSaw XIstalled, and the film was then canceled. Now,Sawproducer Oren Koules sheds light on what might have been in store for thisSawfilm.
In an interview withComicBook,Oren Koules stated that there was “a difference of opinion about how Saw 11 would be,“between himself and Twisted Pictures co-founder and producer Mark Burg, saying “it’s really too bad.” Koules then went on to explain just what could have been expected ofSaw XI. Check out Koules' statement below:
We had everybody in, including Synnøve [Macody Lund] coming back from Saw X. She’s amazing. The script that we had was going to take place 30 seconds after Saw X ended.
Koules revealed thatSaw XIwas meant to pick up mere seconds afterSaw Xended, with villain Cecilia Pederson (Lund) returning alongside Mark Hoffman (Costas Mandylor). Unfortunately, creative differences prevented this. Amid the turmoil,Blumhouse purchased a stake in theSawrights from Twisted Pictures, a move that Koules framed as a passing of the torch.
What This Means For Saw XI
The cancellation ofSaw XIdoesn’t necessarily mean the franchise is gone for good,but it does mark a pivotal transition for the film series. Koules' initial concept, with its immediate continuation of the story andSaw X’spost-credit scene, attempted to recapture the franchise’s earlier depth and intensity. However, the “difference of opinion” between creators derailed its development.
ConsideringSaw XI’scancellation was due to creative disagreements, rather than lack of quality or financial viability, it suggests that there’s still plenty of interest in continuing the franchise, especially withSaw X’s81% Rotten Tomatoesscore. With horror hit-maker Blumhouse and the original creators in charge,there’s a genuine opportunity to salvage the elements of theSaw XIscript.
Our Take On Saw XI’s Plot Details
ThecanceledSaw XIhad the makings of a compelling sequel that could’ve elevated the franchise in a way few horror series ever manage after 10 entries. Picking up just 30 seconds after the end ofSaw X,the story revealed by Koules would’ve followed up on one of the few characters to outmaneuver John Kramer’s traps, Cecilia Pederson.
Koules’Saw XIstory detailsand writer Patrick Melton’s “very timely” script hinted at Kramer’s pursuit of scammers and health insurance providers, which would’ve offered exactly the kind of grounded, morally complex horror that made the early films so impactful. Therefore, it’s disappointing we won’t see this inSaw XI. However, Blumhouse’s involvement is promising for the franchise’s future.
