Saw 11: Mike P. Nelson Set to Direct Next Horror Installment
- Nelson has been tapped to helm the eleventh installment of Lionsgate’s horror franchise, “Saw,” with series creator James Wan returning to produce.
- Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson emphasized the significance of Wan’s return to the property.
- Nelson previously directed the 2018 film “The Domestics” and the 2021 film “Wrong Turn.” Cineverse released his Christmas slasher film “Silent Night, Deadly Night” last year, and Lionsgate...
Director Mike P. Nelson has been tapped to helm the eleventh installment of Lionsgate’s horror franchise, “Saw,” with series creator James Wan returning to produce. Lionsgate and Blumhouse Atomic Monster announced the project on Thursday. The upcoming film is written by Gregory Weidman and Geoff Tock, who previously worked on “Below” and “Dune: Prophecy.” In addition to Wan, Jason Blum and Leigh Whannell are producing the project. Executive producers include Mark Burg, Oren Koules, Stacey Testro, Michael Clear, and Judson Scott, while Alayna Glasthal and Sarah Paek are overseeing the production for Atomic Monster.
Production Leadership and Studio Expectations
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson emphasized the significance of Wan’s return to the property. It speaks volumes that James Wan is passionate about returning to this franchise, Fogelson stated, noting that Wan’s belief in Nelson echoes his own breakthrough with the 2004 original. Adam Fogelson called Nelson one of the promising voices shaping the next generation of horror, pointing to a singular vision for the upcoming film. James Wan shared that sentiment regarding the directorial choice. Making the original “Saw” was a defining experience for me, so it was essential to find a director who would honor that world, Wan said. He described Nelson as possessing a raw, distinctive filmmaking voice with an inventive approach to the genre. Nelson expressed enthusiasm about joining the series. Being asked to play in this twisted sandbox with James is nothing short of a dream come true, Nelson said. He added that the script penned by Greg and Geoff and James captures the mystery of the original while introducing new ideas that align with the franchise’s brutal moral compass.
Director Background and Box Office Context
Mike P. Nelson previously directed the 2018 film “The Domestics” and the 2021 film “Wrong Turn.” Cineverse released his Christmas slasher film “Silent Night, Deadly Night” last year, and Lionsgate is scheduled to release his film “Beware Boiúna” on October 2, following its premiere at Fantastic Fest. The announcement follows the release of “Saw X,” the tenth film in the franchise, which debuted in 2023. That film grossed over $125 million worldwide against a $13 million production budget. Its performance contrasted with the 2021 “Spiral,” starring Chris Rock, which grossed $40 million and carried a higher budget than previous entries in the series.