Lionsgate has removed “Saw XI” from its release calendar. The horror sequel was set to hit theaters on September 26, 2025. Instead, “The Strangers: Chapter 2” will take its place on that date.
Patrick Melton, a writer on “Saw XI,” said the project was dealing with “inter-squabbling” between producers. He revealed that he and his partner Marcus Dunstan had turned in a draft of the script back in May 2024. According to Melton, the project was “stalled at a managerial level,” with the hurdle having “nothing to do with the creative.”
In a statement, Billy the Puppet, the ventriloquist dummy used in the “Saw” films by the character Jigsaw, said: “I’ve seen the rumors.
They say it’s Game Over. You all should know me better than that. The game is never over.”
The “Saw” franchise remains an important one for Lionsgate.
Saw XI faces production challenges
It has grossed more than $1 billion at the worldwide box office since launching with the original movie in 2004. As for “The Strangers: Chapter 2,” Madelaine Petsch will reprise her role from the first film.
She starred in “The Strangers: Chapter 1,” which collected $48 million globally last year. The sequel marks the second feature in a planned stand-alone trilogy, relaunching the franchise that began with the 2008 film “The Strangers.”
“I promise that we’re making ‘The Strangers: Chapter 2’ as terrifying as possible, and I can’t wait to show you on September 26,” Petsch said. Producers Mark Canton and Courtney Solomon added, “Like fans everywhere, we’re thrilled for Chapter 2 — it’s the kind of film that’ll have audiences watching through their fingers.
Bringing it to theaters this Halloween season is perfect, and we can’t wait for everyone to see where the story goes next.”
Gabriel Basso and Ema Horvath also star in the new movie. It is directed by Renny Harlin, from a script by Alan R. Cohen and Alan Freedland.
Producers include Solomon, Canton, Christopher Milburn, Gary Raskin, Alastair Burlingham, and Charlie Dombek.
Photo by; Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash
