Joey Magidson
The Sunday Scaries are upon us once again! Yes, as the weekend concludes, most of us feel an oncoming sense of anticipatory dread about the week ahead. Anxiety about work manifests itself into a feeling that’s known as the Sunday Scaries. However, we at Awards Radar are here to combat that, by taking back the name. Now, we want you think about a horror-centric piece on the site when you hear the term. So, let us continue on with another installment of the Awards Radar Sunday Scaries! This time around, we’re focusing on a favorite horror franchise around these parts and the abrupt end it might be facing…
Up until last week, it seemed like Saw XI was set to be one of my most highly anticipated 2025 titles. Then, it came out that there was trouble in paradise and production basically had come to a halt. In fact, articles like this one here suggest that the film could be canceled, with the franchise more or less dead now. I’m here to say that I hope it’s not, find it very strange that Lionsgate would leave money on the table, and hope this gets figured out soon, especially given the finite time that we have left with Tobin Bell.
When I wrote about being excited for Saw XI here, I said the following, in part:
There’s so many options for where this next installment will go, but Tobin Bell should be back, at least for one more times. More likely than not, it’ll be another prequel, but anything is possible. We’re gonna have a new set of writers (or a writer), with the directorial choice unknown, but the hook of seeing where the series progresses at this point is quite enticing.
If nothing else, this could be a proper farewell for Bell. Unquestionably the MVP of the property, a flick that again showcases him and lets him go out with a bang would be something. Frankly, it’s expected. I’m sure that’s what’s going to happen, but until details actually emerge next year, it’s largely just speculation.
Considering how successful Saw X was, there should be ample interest in keeping the series going. After all, the Saw franchise is known for a high return on a low investment. It’s almost a surefire success. Horror is a reliable method for that, with this property no exception. When you read how there’s just no one opting to sit down and figure this all out, it kind of boggles the mind. Why not continue what is obviously working?
The frustrating thing about this, when you read these articles, is that Saw XI was going to be reminiscent of Saw VI, one of the very best installments. Especially given the current political climate, timely horror sells. Saw should be no different. Once again, why the powers that be aren’t just getting together to figure this one out is beyond me. Plus, Bell isn’t getting any younger, so there could come a point where he’s no longer capable or willing to portray John Kramer. Then, it’s a full on reboot or nothing, but the original flavor here with Bell will be gone forever.
If Saw is really dead as a franchise, I’ll give it a proper requiem in a future Sunday Scaries column. For now, I’ll hope against hope that this gets figured out and the movie eventually comes out, likely in 2026. Time will tell there, but until more official word comes down from Lionsgate or elsewhere, I’ll keep the faith…
Stay tuned for another Sunday Scaries installment next week!
I fear that you’re right about the most plausible explanation for this sudden turnaround. There’s no way to read these cryptic statements about “internal disagreements” and bringing up the sixth installment and not come to the conclusion that some of the producers are trying to tap into the widespread populist rage against the elites that we’re seeing across the nation, and some craven higher-up at Lionsgate is determined to block Saw XI from going there.
On the one hand, this news sucks for me, since Saw X is literally the first movie in the series I unambiguously liked and it’s weird to see it put out to pasture right after it. On the other hand, if Saw X really is the swan song for the franchise, I’d take that as ending on a very high note (and for me, its highest note). I can’t think of a single long-running horror franchise that can make the same claim.
Well said. At least if it’s over, it’s going out on a high note.