Blumhouse continues to spread its tentacles across the horror genre, with the studio announcing this week that it has acquired partial rights to the SAW franchise and will drive the production of new titles. Blumhouse is taking over Twisted Pictures’ stake.
The move puts James Wan back into the director’s chair, after having created the original SAW movie in 2004. Wan’s own production company, Atomic Monster, was merged into Blumhouse Productions last year. Lionsgate will maintain its 50% share of the franchise and distribution rights in the U.S. The Santa Monica-based studio will also maintain worldwide distribution rights for library titles.
The deal, which was reportedly instigated by Lionsgate Chief Executive Jon Feltheimer, reflects the trajectory of both Blumhouse and Lionsgate. Blumhouse has been one of the most successful production studios in Hollywood during the post-pandemic era, with a string of box office hits including M3GAN, FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S and THE BLACK PHONE. SAW adds another piece of valuable IP to strengthen their portfolio.
Meanwhile, Lionsgate has struggled through an extended cold stretch at the box office, with underperforming results throughout 2024 and continuing this year. Another factor was the untimely recent death of Lionsgate’s co-president of its Motion Picture Group, Jason Constantine, who had led the production of SAW movies for years. An infusion of new energy into this important franchise could benefit all parties.
