If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.
Saw XI's release date is stalling because of managerial issues, apparently
The worst thing about Jigsaw’s long-standing serial killing business? Those middle managers, I guess

To celebrate our 3rd anniversary, all members-only content debuting this week is free for one week! New members can also join for just $0.99/month for their first 3 months (save $15!) with code THREEYEARSOFPV.
Popverse's top stories of the day
- Updated: Sadly, you will never be able to read Andy Weir's 'The Last Algorithm,' one of multiple non-existent books recommended by the Chicago Sun-Times in major AI snafu
- MEMBERS ONLY: For Your Consideration: Before Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, we uncovered perfect spy movies in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Skyfall, and... Confessions of a Dangerous Mind?!?
- WATCH NOW: Remember the fantastical & the failures of SEGA's Dreamcast
Forgive me, "elevated" horror fans, but I’m kind of rooting for Saw. Have I seen every single installment? Well, perhaps not, but how many frightful franchises have you heard of getting ELEVEN theatrical releases? So you can imagine my disappointment upon hearing that Saw XI has been delayed, a disappointment compounded by the fact that, apparently, the film is stalled because of its managers.
The news comes from The Hollywood Reporter, who published an interview with Saw XI’s co-writer Patrick Melton on March 17. According to Melton, who will craft the script with Marcus Dunstan, “We haven’t heard anything since May.”
That’s troubling news for Saw fans, especially since the eleventh installment in the franchise, which has been in existence since 2004, was slated to release this fall. "It’s stalled at a managerial level,” Melton explains, “It has nothing to do with the creative or anything else. There’s higher-level things at play."
In a typical interview like this, "higher level things," would be all we’d get in terms of an explanation, but brave Melton goes a little bit further in expressing his frustration.
"The reason [Saw XI is] held up," he details, "Is just, there’s inter-squabbling between producers and Lionsgate. They just can’t quite get on the same page."
That said, Melton still has hope.
"We have a very timely story in it," the writer tells THR, "and I hope it gets made just because of that. [...] 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."
Public rage and the desire for brutal justice certainly is timely, even though (as THR points out) the specifics of Saw XI’s plot are still under wraps. Hopefully, we’ll get to see what Melton is talking about in the near future, but if the current state of the movie is any indication, I wouldn’t put money on that happening this fall as intended. Is Halloween 2026 too much to hope for?
I don’t know, but I do know I’m pulling for you, Jigsaw.
In the immortal words of Danny Elfman, "Life's no fun without a good scare." We couldn't agree more, which is why we've cobbled together a couple pieces to send a chill up your spine. Join Popverse as we explore:
- The best horror movies of all time, according to horror aficionado Greg Silber
- The most underrated horror movies from the past couple years
- All the new and upcoming horror movies for 2025 and beyond
And much gore. Er, more. Much more.
Follow Popverse for upcoming event coverage and news
Find out how we conduct our review by reading our review policy
Let Popverse be your tour guide through the wilderness of pop culture
Sign in and let us help you find your new favorite thing.

Comments
Want to join the discussion? Please activate your account first.
Visit Reedpop ID if you need to resend the confirmation email.