‘Saw XI’ Removed From Lionsgate Calendar as ‘Strangers: Chapter 2’ Takes Its Slot (Exclusive)

The eleventh installment of the Saw series, previously scheduled for release by Lionsgate, has been removed from their calendar; however, this does not necessarily signal the end of the franchise just yet.

According to an exclusive report by The Hollywood Reporter, the upcoming sequel in the horror series, initially scheduled for release on September 26, has been taken off that date. This comes after Patrick Melton, a writer involved in the film, revealed to THR last week that there have been disagreements between producers and Lionsgate.

On Monday, Lionsgate posted a playful message from Billy the Puppet, the dummy used in the films by the character John Kramer, who is also known as Jigsaw: “I’ve heard the whispers. Some say it’s ‘Game Over.’ But let me remind you all – the game has never truly ended.

In a matching decision, “The Strangers: Chapter 2” is all set for a broad cinema release on September 26th. Madelaine Petsch will once again take on her character in the sequel, following her appearance in “The Strangers: Chapter 1,” which premiered in theaters last May and grossed $48 million worldwide. This is the second film in the planned standalone trilogy reviving the franchise that originated with the 2008 movie “The Strangers,” starring Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman.

Petsch assures us that they’re crafting The Strangers: Chapter 2 to be as frightening as it gets, and he’s eager for everyone to see it on September 26.

Mark Canton and Courtney Solomon, the producers, are equally excited as Strangers fans worldwide. They’re delighted about Chapter 2, describing it as a movie that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Releasing it in theaters during the Halloween season is perfectly timed, and they can hardly wait for everyone to discover where the story unfolds next.

In this latest production I’m excited about, I have the pleasure of watching Gabriel Basso and Ema Horvath bring their talents to life under the direction of Renny Harlin. The screenplay is penned by Alan R. Cohen and Alan Freedland. Some impressive names behind the scenes include Solomon, Canton, Christopher Milburn, Gary Raskin, Alastair Burlingham, and Charlie Dombek, all working on this project that originates from Fifth Element.

Previously, Melton, the writer for Saw XI, shared with The Hollywood Reporter that he and his partner Marcus Dunstan submitted a draft of the movie as early as May 2024. As per Melton’s statement, the project has faced a delay at a management level, with the obstacle being unrelated to the creative aspect.

Melton stated, “There’s a strong chance we might see ‘Saw XI,’ but its production is uncertain. However, we have a story in it that feels incredibly relevant right now, and I really hope it gets produced for this reason.” He drew an analogy between the timeliness of this potential film and that of ‘Saw VI,’ which revolved around Jigsaw seeking revenge on health insurance executives, a theme that has regained significant relevance in light of the recent murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

The Saw series continues to be a significant revenue generator for Lionsgate, earning over $1 billion globally at the box office since its debut in 2004 with the James Wan-directed film as its launchpad.

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2025-03-25 00:54