The Saw franchise seemed to have reached its end, with reports of behind-the-scenes issues putting Saw XI in a difficult position. Lionsgate even replaced its scheduled slot with The Strangers: Chapter 2. However, it appears the game isn’t over just yet.
Much like in the films, Jigsaw and Billy the Puppet may be making a comeback—just later than expected. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Saw XI has officially lost its September 26 release date to The Strangers sequel. Still, both Lionsgate and one of the franchise’s eerie icons suggest that Saw isn’t finished—it’s just on pause.
Lionsgate released a statement from Billy the Puppet, Jigsaw’s eerie messenger, addressing the recent speculation:
Advertisement I’ve seen the rumors. They say it’s Game Over. You all should know me better than that. The game is never over.”
Adding to the intrigue, the tricycle-riding puppet also updated his LinkedIn status to “Employed,” hinting that he hasn’t been locked away in Lionsgate’s storage just yet.
The Saw franchise has faced apparent endings before. In 2010, after seven films, it seemed to conclude with Saw 3D (aka Saw 7), which received the worst reviews of the series. Despite being highly profitable—thanks to its modest $17 million budget—2011 became the first year without a Saw release since the original debuted in 2004.
However, the series refused to stay buried. In 2017, Jigsaw became the ninth installment, reviving Tobin Bell’s chilling portrayal of John Kramer. While critics remained unimpressed and box office numbers dipped, the franchise pressed on. Spiral (2021), a surprise spinoff starring Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson, took a fresh approach. Then, in 2023, Saw X brought the story back to its roots, set between the first two films, earning the best reviews in the saga’s history.
Unsurprisingly, Saw XI was announced right away, with Tobin Bell expected to reprise his role once again. While that still seems to be the plan, the film won’t be hitting theaters this year. Whether the behind-the-scenes issues will be resolved remains to be seen, but one eerie ventriloquist doll seems certain that the game isn’t over just yet.