Blumhouse Buys ‘Saw’ Stake From Twisted Pictures
Blumhouse has finalized a long-negotiated deal to acquire part of the long-running horror franchise Saw from Twisted Pictures, led by producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Lionsgate, which also has an ownership stake, will continue to distribute the franchise’s films after beginning with the original picture in 2004. And Content Partners, the parent of Revolution Studios that owns a large library of movies and series, has bought an unspecified stake in the existing library alongside Mark Burg’s retained share.
The Blumhouse deal also brings the franchise back to James Wan, whose Atomic Monster label merged with Blumhouse in 2024. Wan directed the first Saw film, which he co-wrote with Leigh Whannell (Wolf Man, The Invisible Man).
“The Saw franchise has defined a generation of horror, and its cultural impact continues to grow, making this a strategic investment in one of the most recognizable and successful genre properties of the last two decades. But what really excites me about bringing Saw to Blumhouse is having James and Leigh back in the fold and to see the future of the franchise come to life with their guidance,” Blumhouse CEO and founder Blum said in a statement.
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Wan noted the franchise is where he and Whannell began tehir Hollywood journeys.
“For me, this will mark a significant creative return to the Saw franchise for the first time since the early days, and I’m very much looking forward to embracing the original spirit whilst pushing the legacy forward in bold, unexpected ways,” said Wan.
The talks between Blumhouse and Twisted Pictures started last year, but stalled earlier this year with a sale price as a major sticking point. The 10 Saw films have scared up over $1 billion dollars at the global box office.
Made for only $1.2 million, the original Saw film became one of the most profitable horror movies of all time when it opened to $18.2 million domestically and earned $104 million worldwide. Home entertainment was equally massive.
The last Saw movie was the 2023’s Saw X. An 11th movie was in the works but stalled out.
“With the success of the tenth film, this felt like the right time to pass the baton. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built with Lionsgate over the past 20 years and deeply grateful to the fans who’ve been with us since the beginning. It’s especially meaningful to see the franchise return to its original creators, James and Leigh, and I can’t think of a better partner than Jason to lead Saw into its next chapter,” Koules said in a statement.
For his part, Burg in his own statement recalled bankrolling the first Saw film after meeting Wan and Whannell and reading a script about a pair of confined strangers manipulated by Jigsaw, a diabolical mastermind who forces them to make ghastly choices.
Burg and Koules also viewed a seven-minute short featuring Whannell with his head in a macabre bear trap. The late producer Gregg Hoffman had found the film and brought it to Twisted Pictures partners Burg and Koules in early 2003.
“Twenty-one years ago we met James Wan and Leigh Whannell and financed the first Saw movie. The film was magical, and a hit beyond our wildest dreams, and our fans kept the franchise alive for over 20 years. It’s been an amazing ride and, with the recent passing of our beloved executive producer, Jason Constantine, it’s time for me to move on and tell new stories. Saw will always be a part of my history and Hollywood history, and I hope Jigsaw and the SawUniverse live on for many more movies and years to come,” Burg said.
He added: “Lastly, I’d like to thank all the amazing actors, crew, and Lionsgate executives who have worked with us on 10 movies over the past 20 years — none of this could have happened without you all. We wish James, Leigh and Jason huge success with the continuation of the franchise.”
Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, added his own backing for the ownership change for the Saw franchise. “Over the course of ten chilling and thrilling Saw films, Oren and Mark have been outstanding partners, producers, and stewards of this billion-dollar franchise which has played a massive role in Lionsgate history. As they pass the baton to James – whose direction started it all – and to Jason and the team at Blumhouse, Billy couldn’t be in more gifted or twisted hands. Game on,” he said.
CAA Evolution served as sole financial advisor on the ownership acquisition deal.
