Blumhouse in Talks to Buy ‘Saw’ Franchise From Twisted Pictures - The Hollywood Reporter

Blumhouse's Bid for Saw Franchise Rekindled

In the world of horror movies, franchises can be a lucrative business. One such franchise that has been around for decades is Saw, created by James Wan and Leigh Whannell. The series has gained a massive following over the years, with 9 films released between 2004 and 2017. However, despite its popularity, the franchise's future was uncertain after Lionsgate, the current owner of the studio behind Saw, decided to shelve plans for further sequels.

The On-Again, Off-Again Talks

However, it appears that Blumhouse Productions, a production company known for producing low-budget horror films like Paranormal Activity and Get Out, has reignited talks with Lionsgate about acquiring part of the Saw franchise. According to reports, Blumhouse has been in discussions with Lionsgate regarding a potential acquisition deal.

Why Now?

There are several reasons why this news may be significant. Firstly, Saw is one of the most iconic horror franchises of all time, with a dedicated fan base that has stuck by it throughout the years. If Blumhouse were to acquire part of the franchise, they would likely bring in new investors and potentially breathe new life into the series.

Additionally, Lionsgate's decision to shelve plans for further Saw sequels suggests that they may be looking to restructure or sell off some of their assets. By partnering with a production company like Blumhouse, they could potentially offload some of their financial burdens while still maintaining creative control over the franchise.

What Would Happen Next?

If talks between Lionsgate and Blumhouse were to result in an acquisition deal, several things could happen next. Firstly, it's possible that Blumhouse would take over production duties for any future Saw films, potentially revamping the series with a new director or writer.

Alternatively, if Lionsgate decides to keep creative control, they may choose to partner with Blumhouse on a more limited basis, perhaps producing one or two more films in the franchise. This could be seen as a way to test the waters and see whether a new direction for Saw would be successful without taking on too much financial risk.

Challenges Ahead

However, there are also several challenges that Blumhouse and Lionsgate would need to overcome if an acquisition deal were to happen. One of the main concerns is that any changes made to the franchise could alienate its dedicated fan base.

Additionally, Lionsgate has been struggling financially in recent years, which raises questions about whether they have the resources to support a potentially costly and high-risk franchise like Saw.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it's unclear at this point what the future holds for Saw under Blumhouse's ownership, one thing is certain: any changes made to the franchise would need to be carefully considered in order to appease its dedicated fan base. With a proven track record of producing low-budget horror films that often achieve surprising success at the box office, Blumhouse may be well-positioned to breathe new life into this beloved franchise.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • New Life for the Franchise: A change in ownership could potentially lead to a new direction for Saw, which could attract both old and new fans.
  • Financial Stability: Blumhouse's production company has a proven track record of producing low-budget horror films that often achieve surprising success at the box office.

Cons:

  • Alienating Fan Base: Any changes made to the franchise could alienate its dedicated fan base, who have stuck by it throughout the years.
  • Financial Risks: The Saw franchise is one of the most iconic horror franchises of all time, and Lionsgate has been struggling financially in recent years.