James Wan is set to play a major role in reinventing the Saw franchise for Blumhouse — and this is big news for horror fans everywhere! While the future of the Conjuring Universe hangs in the balance due to ongoing financial disputes with Warner Bros., Wan is shifting his creative energy back to a franchise he helped launch but hasn’t been deeply involved with for years: Saw. This series, which he co-created with writer Leigh Whannell back in 2004, has been a cornerstone of modern horror. Wan and Whannell stepped away after Saw III, but when production on Saw XI came to an abrupt halt amid creative clashes at Twisted Pictures, Blumhouse Productions seized the opportunity to acquire the rights. Since Blumhouse recently merged with Wan’s own production company, Atomic Monster, the two are now collaborating to breathe new life into the Saw universe. In a recent Variety interview, Blumhouse founder Jason Blum emphasized that Wan will be "hugely involved" in this fresh take on the franchise.
When asked about his vision for Saw, Blum acknowledged the challenge of sustaining a franchise through ten films, praising the original producers for their work and expressing gratitude for their blessing to continue the saga. He explained, "My approach is simple: bring back the people who created the magic in the first place. James Wan, the original director, will be deeply involved. That’s our strategy to reinvent Saw."
Wan himself shared his excitement when Blumhouse first secured the Saw rights, stating, "Saw holds a very special place in my heart. Returning to this world with a new perspective is both thrilling and personal. This marks my significant creative return to the franchise since its early days. I’m eager to honor the original spirit while boldly pushing the legacy forward in unexpected ways."
But here’s where it gets controversial: Blum also revealed during the interview his frustration over losing the bidding war for the Texas Chainsaw Massacre rights, which seem destined to go to A24. He described the Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street franchises as his "white whales," confessing, "We’re always negotiating. I pursue them relentlessly and won’t give up. If they make a movie without me, I’ll be chasing the next one."
This raises an intriguing question for horror aficionados: Are you thrilled to see James Wan deeply involved in Blumhouse’s reinvention of Saw? And what do you think about Blumhouse’s ongoing pursuit of other iconic horror franchises like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street? Do you believe these classics should be revitalized by Blumhouse, or should they remain in the hands of their current stewards? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below!
About the Author:
The Horror News Editor is a passionate cinephile with a deep love for horror and cult classics. Their favorite films include the Friday the 13th series, Kevin Smith’s works, George A. Romero’s original Dead trilogy, Texas Chainsaw Massacre parts 1 and 2, FleshEater, Intruder, Let the Right One In, Return of the Living Dead, The Evil Dead, Jaws, Tremors, From Dusk Till Dawn, Phantasm, Halloween, The Hills Have Eyes, the Back to the Future trilogy, Dazed and Confused, the James Bond series, Mission: Impossible, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, among many others.
Outside of movies, they enjoy podcasts, animals, traveling (especially to Brazil), attending the Cinema Wasteland convention, classic rock (with a special fondness for Led Zeppelin), and admire filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, the Coen brothers, Richard Linklater, and Paul Thomas Anderson. They’re also a fan of authors Stephen King and Elmore Leonard, as well as iconic figures like Tom Cruise and the world of Marvel comics. Their interests extend to the grindhouse and drive-in movie era, making them a well-rounded voice in horror and genre film journalism.
