It's a tough pill to swallow for fans of the horror genre, but it looks like the curtains might be closing on the Saw franchise, at least temporarily. The much-anticipated Saw XI, originally slated for a fall release, has hit a significant roadblock and will not be hitting the screens as planned.

According to Saw XI screenwriter Patrick Melton, the delay isn't due to creative differences. "We haven’t heard anything since May," Melton shared with The Hollywood Reporter. "It’s stalled at a managerial level. It has nothing to do with the creative or anything else. There’s higher-level things at play." Melton and his writing partner Marcus Dunstan had submitted a draft of the script back in spring 2024, and since then, it's been a waiting game. The holdup, Melton explained, stems from disputes between the producers and Lionsgate, who are struggling to align their visions for the project.

The film was initially set to be directed by frequent franchise director Kevin Gruetert, with a release date set for September 2024. However, the release was pushed back an entire year to September 2025, leaving fans disappointed but hopeful that the delay would benefit the story. This hope was fueled by the success of Saw X, the 10th installment, which revitalized the franchise by earning over $120 million globally during its theatrical run.

What adds to the frustration is that Saw XI was poised to tackle a relevant and timely topic. While specific plot details remain under wraps, Melton hinted that the storyline would echo themes from Saw VI, which he co-wrote with Dunstan and was directed by Gruetert. In Saw VI, John Kramer, aka Jigsaw (played by Tobin Bell), exacts revenge on health insurance executives. Melton expressed his hope that Saw XI would see the light of day, saying, "Saw XI may or may not be made, but we have a very timely story in it, and I hope it gets made just because of that."

The potential narrative of Saw XI would delve into themes of citizen frustration and powerlessness against systemic issues, with Jigsaw stepping in as a vigilante. Given the current state of the world, this storyline could resonate deeply with audiences. However, with the project currently stalled, fans may never get to experience this new chapter in the Saw saga.