The next Saw movie has found its director. Mike P. Nelson is set to direct the upcoming installment of the horror franchise, with original director James Wan returning as a key creative figure. Lionsgate is releasing the movie, with Blumhouse Atomic Monster involved in the production.

'Saw X' Alexandro Bolaños Escamilla/Lionsgate

Nelson is already working with Lionsgate on Beware Boiúna, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters on Oct. 2. He previously directed the 2021 film Wrong Turn and the 2025 remake of Silent Night, Deadly Night.

Who is directing the new ‘Saw’ movie?

Mike P. Nelson is directing the upcoming Saw film. The filmmaker has experience in the horror genre and previously directed Wrong Turn and Silent Night, Deadly Night.

Lionsgate film boss Adam Fogelson expressed confidence in Nelson's approach to the franchise, stating, “He has a singular vision for this film, and we’re incredibly confident in what he’ll deliver.”

The project also brings James Wan back into the creative side of the franchise. Wan directed the original Saw movie and is producing the new installment alongside Leigh Whannell and Jason Blum.

What is the new ‘Saw’ movie about?

Specific plot details for the new movie have not been revealed. However, the film is expected to continue the franchise's established horror and mystery elements.

The original Saw centered on a mysterious killer who forced victims into elaborate and dangerous situations. The characters were presented with difficult choices and deadly challenges as they attempted to survive.

The first film was made on a relatively small budget but became a major success. It eventually developed into a large horror franchise that has generated more than $1 billion worldwide.

The most recent installment, Saw X, was released in 2023 and earned approximately $112.8 million globally.

Who is writing the new ‘Saw’ movie?

The screenplay for the upcoming film comes from Gregory Weidman and Geoff Tock. The writers are known for their work on Dune: Prophecy.

According to the information released about the project, the new story aims to bring back elements associated with the original movie while introducing new ideas to the franchise.

Mike P. Nelson described the screenplay in a statement, saying, “Greg and Geoff and James have crafted such a wild script that brings the mystery of the original while exploring new insane bloody ideas that meld so well with the brutal moral compass of the franchise. Let the games begin!”

Is James Wan returning to the ‘Saw’ franchise?

Yes. James Wan is returning as a producer and creative voice for the new installment.

Wan and Leigh Whannell created the original Saw, which became the starting point for one of modern horror's most recognizable franchises. Wan's return is also connected to changes in the ownership and production structure surrounding the series.

Blumhouse Atomic Monster acquired a stake in the Saw franchise from Twisted Pictures in 2025, bringing Wan back into a more direct role with the property. Lionsgate also remains an owner of the franchise.

Wan explained why choosing the right director was important to him, stating, “Making the original Saw was a defining experience for me, so it was essential to find a director who would honor that world,”

He continued, “Mike has a raw, distinctive filmmaking voice with an inventive approach to the genre, and I believe he’ll bring something truly unique and special to the franchise.”

What can fans expect from the new ‘Saw’ movie?

The available details suggest that the upcoming movie will retain the mystery and intense horror elements associated with the franchise while introducing new material.

The project brings together several people connected to the Saw universe, including James Wan and Leigh Whannell, while placing Mike P. Nelson in the director's chair.

The filmmakers have also indicated that the screenplay combines the mystery associated with the original movie with new and more extreme ideas.

However, details about the characters, story, traps and release plans beyond the information currently announced have not been provided.

When will the new ‘Saw’ movie be released?

The provided announcement does not give a specific theatrical release date for the new Saw movie.

Lionsgate is handling the film, while Blumhouse Atomic Monster is involved in its production. The project is expected to move forward with Mike P. Nelson directing and Gregory Weidman and Geoff Tock writing the screenplay.

The film's production and release schedule may be announced through further updates from the filmmakers and studio.

Conclusion

The next Saw movie is moving forward with Mike P. Nelson as director, bringing a new filmmaker into the long-running horror franchise. James Wan and Leigh Whannell are returning as producers, while Jason Blum is also involved with the project.

With a screenplay from Gregory Weidman and Geoff Tock, the film is expected to combine the mystery and horror elements associated with the original Saw with new ideas.

For fans of the franchise, the return of James Wan in a key creative role and the addition of Nelson as director mark the latest development in the continuing Saw series.