Blumhouse Takes the Reins: The Future of the 'Saw' Franchise
Blumhouse has secured the rights to the popular horror franchise "Saw," allowing for the potential creation of new films in the series. The franchise was previously controlled by producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg, who are now passing the reins to Blumhouse and James Wan, the director of the original "Saw" film. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed, but Lionsgate will continue to distribute the films domestically and collaborate with Blumhouse and Atomic Monster on international releases.
The "Saw" franchise, consisting of 10 films, has been a box office success, grossing $1.1 billion globally and ranking as the fifth most successful horror franchise. With Blumhouse's track record in horror franchises like "The Conjuring Universe," "Paranormal Activity," and "Halloween," the addition of "Saw" to their portfolio is expected to be a strategic move. The original creators, James Wan and Leigh Whannell, are excited to bring their fresh perspective to the franchise and push its legacy forward in new and unexpected ways.
The story of "Saw" revolves around the notorious serial killer Jigsaw, who subjects his victims to deadly games of survival. Actor Tobin Bell has voiced Jigsaw in all 10 films, adding to the franchise's iconic status in the horror genre. Blumhouse and Atomic Monster had previously aimed to revitalize "The Exorcist" franchise but shifted their focus to "Saw" after those plans were abandoned. The return of Wan and Whannell to the franchise is seen as a significant creative opportunity to continue the series in innovative directions.
Blumhouse founder Jason Blum expressed his excitement about having Wan and Whannell back on board for the "Saw" franchise, highlighting their guidance in shaping its future. Lionsgate, a long-time partner in the franchise, praised the contributions of Koules and Burg to the success of the series and expressed confidence in the new creative direction under Blumhouse's leadership. The future of "Saw" looks promising with the original creators at the helm and a dedicated team ready to take the franchise to new heights.
In conclusion, the acquisition of the "Saw" franchise by Blumhouse marks a significant milestone in the horror genre, bringing together the original creators and a powerhouse production company to continue the legacy of the iconic series. Fans can look forward to new and thrilling installments in the "Saw" universe, guided by the vision of James Wan and Leigh Whannell, as the franchise enters its next chapter under Blumhouse's stewardship.