"Saw XI," the 11th installment in Lionsgate's long-running "Saw" franchise, has been removed from its release calendar. The bloody slasher film was originally scheduled to hit theaters on September 26, 2025, but the studio has announced that it will instead release another horror film, "The Strangers - Chapter 2," on that date.
"Saw XI" Release Uncertainty
Lionsgate has given the green light to "Saw XI" with franchise veteran director Kevin Grueterd at the helm in 2023. However, the film's screenwriters Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan told The Hollywood Reporter that there has been "zero progress" on the project since the draft was submitted in the spring of 2024. It's unclear at this time whether Lionsgate plans to release the film in the future.
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Billy the Puppet Promises
Billy the Puppet, the ventriloquist dummy used by John "Jigsaw" Kramer in the "Saw" series, has denied reports of a release delay. In a statement released by Lionsgate, Billy said:
"I've heard the rumors. They say it's game over. You all should know me better than that. The game never ends."
The statement reflects the past successes of the "Saw" franchise. Over the past two decades, the series has grossed over $1 billion worldwide through 10 films.
The most recent film, "Saw X," is due out in 2023 and has grossed $112 million worldwide. The series centers on Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), a terrifying serial killer who tests his victims through deadly games.
"The Strangers - Chapter 2" Release
"The Strangers - Chapter 2" is the second installment in the "The Strangers" trilogy, set for release by Lionsgate on September 26, 2025. The first installment, "The Strangers: Chapter 1," was released last summer and grossed $48 million. Despite mixed reviews from critics and audiences, it performed better than expected.
The first installment revolves around a young couple (Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez). Their car breaks down in a spooky small town and they are forced to spend the night in a remote cabin, where they are terrorized by masked intruders. Lionsgate is developing the trilogy independently of the 2008 Liv Tyler-led thriller.
"Chapter 2" Previews
Madelaine Petsch said,
"I promise we're making 'The Strangers—Chapter 2' as scary as it can be. I can't wait to show you on September 26th."
Producers Mark Canton and Courtney Solomon said:
"Like 'Strangers' fans everywhere, we're thrilled for 'Chapter 2' - it's a film that will have audiences on their toes. It's great to bring it to theaters this Halloween season."
Even though the release of "Saw XI" has been postponed, there are signs that the future of the "Saw" franchise isn't completely over with the promise of Billy the Puppet. However, Jigsaw may not return to theaters in 2025, and instead, "The Strangers — Chapter 2" will deliver a terrifying experience for the Halloween season.