Mike P. Nelson will direct the new installment of 'SAW'; James Wan and Leigh Whannell are back

The next chapter of the horror franchise SAW has found its director.

The twisted traps will be led by Mike P. Nelsonin a film that marks a turning point for the saga, since the co-creator and director of the original, James Wanwill have a key role as creative voice and producer. Furthermore, the other co-creator, Leigh Whannell is on board as a producer (via Deadline).

Wan and Whannell will produce the new installment alongside Jason Blum; The film will be shot from a script by Gregory Weidman y Geoff Tocka duo known for the HBO series, Dune: Prophecy.

Lionsgate will distribute the film in theaters produced by Blumhouse Atomic Monster.

The new installment will mark another partnership between Nelson and Lionsgate, after directing the studio's project, Beware Boiúnawith a theatrical release scheduled for October 2. Previously, Nelson directed Wrong Turn (2021), and the 2025 remake of Silent Night, Deadly Night.

In a press release, Adam Fogelson, head of Lionsgate's film division, reveals about Nelson's work:

“He has a unique vision for this film and we are completely convinced of what he will achieve.”

The franchise SAWco-created and executive produced by Wan and Whannell, and co-starring Whannell, was born as a very low-budget film. The story revolved around a twisted serial killer John Kramer (Tobin Bell), also known as Jigsaw Killer o Jigsawwhich subjected its victims to deadly and elaborate traps, from which escaping was a macabre and painful experience.

John Kramer is a cancer patient and an engineer who places his victims in death traps to teach them moral lessons about how to value life. He made his debut with the original film Saw (2004). Kramer died in the aftermath Saw III (2006), however, adjustments and tricks in the timeline of the horror franchise have allowed its appearance in all installments, with the exception of the spinoff Spiral (2021). Saw X (2023) is a prequel set between the events of the first two films.

The original installment was released in theaters in 2004 and became a runaway success, giving rise to a franchise that exceeds $1 billion dollars, while the combined budget of all of them reaches $120 million dollars. An immense commercial success. The film also marked Wan's debut as a feature film director and launched his career as one of Hollywood's most prominent filmmakers.

The new film comes after the acquisition, in 2025, of Twisted Pictures' participation in the franchise Saw by Blumhouse Atomic Monster, which returns the franchise to Wan. Lionsgate also owns the franchise 50%.

Wan declared in a statement to the media:

“Making the original film of Saw It was a defining experience for me, so it was essential to find a director who would honor that world. “Mike has a raw and distinctive cinematic voice, with an inventive approach to the genre, and I believe he will bring something truly unique and special to the franchise.”

Nelson added in his own statement:

“Greg, Geoff and James have crafted a wild script that recaptures the mystery of the original, while exploring wild new gory ideas that fit perfectly with the franchise's brutal moral compass. Let the games begin!”