Saw 11 Director Mike P Nelson Confirmed
Mike P Nelson will direct Saw 11, backed by original creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell, marking a return to the franchise's core mythology after years
Mike P Nelson has been hired to direct Saw 11. The horror sequel will be produced by James Wan's Atomic Monster and Jason Blum's Blumhouse, with Lionsgate handling distribution.
Nelson will direct from a script by Gregory Weidman and Geoff Tock. He previously rebooted other horror series, directing the 2021 version of Wrong Turn and the 2025 incarnation of Silent Night, Deadly Night. His latest film, Beware Boiúna, premiered at Fantastic Fest in 2026 and is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 2 through Lionsgate.
Creative Team
Original Saw creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell are back as producers on the eleventh film. Wan, who has not been involved with the series since 2007's Saw III, will serve as an executive producer. His production company, Atomic Monster, merged with Blumhouse in January 2024.
James Wan expressed confidence in the new director. '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. 'Mike has a raw, distinctive filmmaking voice with an inventive approach to the genre.'
Mike P Nelson called the opportunity a dream. 'Being asked to play in this twisted sandbox with James is nothing short of a dream come true,' Nelson stated. The producing team also includes Jason Blum and Leigh Whannell. Executive producers are Mark Burg, Oren Koules, Stacey Testro, Michael Clear, and Judson Scott.
Franchise Context
Saw 11 is the first direct sequel since 2023's Saw X. The franchise has seen multiple attempts to relaunch over the past decade.
| Film | Release Year | Relaunch Attempt |
|---|---|---|
| Jigsaw | 2017 | Yes |
| Spiral: From the Book of Saw | 2021 | Yes |
| Saw X | 2023 | Yes |
Saw X grossed $125 million worldwide, leading to a quickly announced sequel. That project was delayed due to producer disagreements. Blumhouse subsequently took control of the franchise. The entire series has generated $1.1 billion at the global box office.
Saw 11 will continue the franchise's existing mythology rather than reboot its continuity. Lionsgate has not set an official release date. Plot details and returning cast members are unknown. There have been hints about plans to bring back Tobin Bell’s iconic killer, Jigsaw.
Background
Screenwriters Gregory Weidman and Geoff Tock previously wrote the 2019 thriller In The Shadow Of The Moon. Nelson also directed a segment for the anthology film V/H/S/85.
Wan and Whannell began discussions about making Saw 11 in February. The project is now moving forward under the new Blumhouse Atomic Monster banner. Saw 11 is set to return over the next few months or so.
