SAW: Blumhouse to Acquire Billion Dollar Horror Franchise Rights

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Blumhouse Productions is close to securing a significant agreement to obtain ownership rights to the Saw franchise from Twisted Pictures. This move signifies a significant change in control over this billion-dollar horror empire. If the deal goes through, it would bring director James Wan back together with the franchise he co-created. Blumhouse is also considering collaborating with Lionsgate on future projects.

Blumhouse acquiring rights to SAW franchise to partner with Lionsgate

As per Deadline’s report, control over the Saw franchise is set to transition from Twisted’s Mark Burg and Oren Koules to Blumhouse Productions. This move brings director James Wan, who co-created the franchise with Leigh Whannell, one step closer to the series he helped establish. Wan directed the initial Saw movie (2004) and has served as an executive producer for subsequent films in the series. Lionsgate will maintain its 50% ownership and will remain responsible for distributing future installments of the franchise.

2023 saw initial discussions between Blumhouse and Twisted Pictures, however, these talks hit a roadblock due to disputes over the purchase price. Lately, it appears that the conversations have recommenced and are now said to be on the verge of wrapping up.

Should the deal be completed, it will likewise secure James Wan a share of the franchise for his production company, Atomic Monster, following its merger with Blumhouse in January 2024. As of now, Jason Blum leads the combined organization.

Back in the day, I was part of the audience who witnessed the explosive launch of the Saw franchise on a budget of just $1.2 million. To my astonishment, it raked in an incredible $104 million worldwide! The initial film alone made a whopping $18.2 million in the U.S., and it went on to be one of the most lucrative horror films ever produced. Over the course of ten thrilling installments, this franchise has amassed over $1 billion at the global box office! It’s not just about movies anymore; it’s expanded into video games, theme park attractions, comics, and a whole lot more merchandise.

In 2023, the latest Saw movie, titled Saw X, hit the screens. A script for the 11th installment was submitted by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan in 2024, but production was halted due to creative differences between Lionsgate and the producers. As of now, there’s no concrete news on whether the next chapter will be a movie, TV series, or some other form.

Originally, Twisted Pictures endorsed the franchise following their viewing of Wan and Whannell’s short film proposal. Since the debut of the first movie in 2004, Lionsgate has been responsible for distribution.

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2025-06-05 11:41