The Saw franchise is one of the most iconic horror series of the 21st century, but in recent years, its future has felt uncertain. Once known as a yearly Halloween staple filled with twisted morality, shocking reveals, and gruesome traps, the franchise has experienced a strange and rocky period behind the scenes.
Now, however, things appear to be shifting in an exciting direction.
In a development that longtime fans have been hoping for, the original creative minds behind Saw—James Wan and Leigh Whannell—are stepping back into the spotlight to help guide the franchise’s return.
And according to Wan himself, the next installment may bring the series back to what made it so terrifying in the first place.
A Franchise That Has Faced Major Turbulence
The last few years have been unusually complicated for Saw.
Although the series remains one of horror’s most recognizable brands, its behind-the-scenes journey has been anything but smooth.
At one point, the partnership between the production company Twisted Pictures and the studio distributing the films reportedly broke down. This collapse also took the planned Saw XI off the table, leaving fans unsure whether the franchise would continue at all.
For a series that once seemed unstoppable, the uncertainty felt like the end of an era.
But instead of fading away, Saw may now be entering a new phase—one led by the people who started it all.
James Wan Reclaims the Franchise
James Wan, who co-created Saw alongside Leigh Whannell, has gone on to become one of the biggest names in modern horror and blockbuster filmmaking.
From The Conjuring universe to major studio projects, Wan’s career has expanded far beyond the low-budget thriller that launched him into fame.
Yet Saw remains the film that started it all.
Now, after the franchise’s recent instability, Wan has reportedly regained control of the property, bringing it back under the guidance of its original creators.
It’s a fitting full-circle moment for a franchise that has always relied heavily on vision, atmosphere, and psychological fear.
Sundance Screening Sparks a Big Reveal
During a screening of the original Saw at the Sundance Film Festival, fans had the rare opportunity to hear directly from James Wan and Leigh Whannell about what comes next.
At the event, one audience member asked the question that has been on every horror fan’s mind:
What is the future of Saw?
Wan’s answer immediately sparked excitement.
He revealed that he and Whannell will be reuniting for the next film in the franchise.
While he didn’t confirm the exact roles they will play—whether Wan will direct or Whannell will write as they did for the first movie—the fact that both creators are involved at all is huge news.
For fans, it signals that the franchise may finally return to its roots.
Returning to the “Spirit of the Original”
Perhaps the most exciting detail Wan shared was his description of the new installment.
He teased that the next Saw movie will “hark back to the spirit of the original.”
That phrase alone has reignited fan speculation.
The original Saw wasn’t just about gore—it was about suspense, dread, mystery, and psychological terror.
It was a tightly constructed thriller with horror elements, focusing on:
- Moral dilemmas
- Human desperation
- Twisting plot reveals
- Atmosphere over brutality
Over time, many sequels leaned more heavily into elaborate traps and graphic violence, sometimes shifting the franchise from scary to simply gruesome.
Wan’s comment suggests the next film could restore the balance that made the first movie so memorable.
What About Jigsaw?
One major question remains: will the next film continue the long-running saga of Jigsaw, or will it attempt a fresh start?
Wan admitted that it’s still very early in the process, so no concrete story details can be confirmed.
However, he did make one thing clear:
It wouldn’t be a proper Saw film without Jigsaw in some capacity.
Whether that means John Kramer himself, his legacy, or the twisted philosophy behind his games, Jigsaw remains central to the franchise’s identity.
Fans have seen the series attempt new directions before, but none have fully replaced the shadow of its original mastermind.
The Franchise Has Tried Soft Reboots Before
This isn’t the first time Saw has attempted to reinvent itself.
In recent years, the franchise experimented with soft reboots such as:
- Jigsaw
- Spiral
Both films tried to introduce new storylines and characters while keeping some connection to the original mythology.
However, neither approach truly captured the audience in the way the earlier films did.
That led to Saw X, which returned to an earlier point in the timeline—before the killer’s death—bringing back familiar elements that longtime fans had missed.
Now, with Wan and Whannell involved again, the franchise may finally find the right path forward.
“Another Scary Saw Movie”
One of Wan’s most intriguing statements was his intent to make “another scary Saw movie.”
That wording is important.
Over the years, Saw became known more for shocking trap sequences than fear itself. The movies grew increasingly focused on spectacle—how brutal, how extreme, how gory.
But fear is what made the original film work.
The claustrophobic setting, the ticking clock, the sense of helplessness—it was terrifying because it was psychological.
Wan’s comment suggests that the next film could return to:
- Suspense-driven horror
- Smaller, more intense scenarios
- Mystery and tension
- Emotional stakes over pure gore
If the creators truly want to make Saw scary again, it could mark a major tonal shift for the franchise.
Respecting the Franchise’s “Soapy” Nature
Wan also acknowledged something fans have come to love about the Saw universe: its surprisingly dramatic, almost soap-opera-like mythology.
The franchise is known not only for traps, but also for:
- Twisted character connections
- Secret apprentices
- Flashback reveals
- Long-running moral themes
Wan promised that they understand how much love exists for this world and that they will be respectful of what fans have enjoyed over the years.
That balance—between fresh horror and classic Saw storytelling—will be key.
Final Thoughts: A New Era Led by the Originals
With James Wan and Leigh Whannell returning, the future of Saw feels more promising than it has in years.
Fans have been waiting for the franchise to rediscover what made it iconic: suspense, terror, moral complexity, and unforgettable twists.
While it’s too early to know exactly what direction the next film will take, one thing is clear:
The original team is back, and they want to make Saw scary again.
For horror lovers, that’s reason enough to pay attention.