Saw Rights Bought By Blumhouse
Blumhouse Productions has acquired the rights to the Saw franchise.
According to Variety, the company paid an undisclosed amount for the part of the franchise which was previously owned by producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg.
Lionsgate will continue to be a partner in the property and retain its 50% ownership stake in and distribution of future instalments.
James Wan, director and co-writer of the first film in 2004, will be reconnected with the franchise as a result of this acquisition. Jason Blum, CEO of Blumhouse, said that Wan and Leigh Whannell, writer of the first film, will be brought “back in the fold” and will help guide the future of the franchise.
Blumhouse, which is known for films such as Insidious and Five Nights at Freddy’s, has not only acquired the rights to Saw but also other properties that include the character of Jigsaw.
The story of Saw follows serial killer John “Jigsaw” Kramer and his apprentices. Kramer was introduced briefly in Saw and developed in more detail in the subsequent films. He doesn’t kill his victims immediately but traps them in “tests” or “games” to test their will to survive through physical or psychological torture.
The series of films have grossed over $1 billion worldwide and has become a pop culture phenomenon. It also now has comic books, toys, masks, video games, theme park rides, and more.
Saw XI was in development and scheduled for September this year, but the project was stalled due to creative differences between producers and Lionsgate.
Wan told Variety: “Saw holds a special place in my heart. 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.”
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