James Wan reflects on Saw legacy: what would bring him back?

James Wan, the mastermind behind Saw, recently shared his thoughts on returning to the horror franchise that changed the game in 2004. Wan, who directed the first Saw film on a shoestring budget of $1.2 million, turned it into a box-office juggernaut grossing over $109 million globally. Its innovative traps and shocking twists spawned a horror empire, including nine sequels and a television adaptation in development.

When asked if he’d ever return to direct another Saw film, Wan revealed, “I’d never say never, but it would have to be something extremely special.” He added that his current focus is on other projects like The Conjuring: Last Rites and M3GAN 2.0. Despite stepping back, Wan remains deeply involved as an executive producer and continues to influence the franchise's creative direction.

The upcoming Saw XI, set to release in 2025, is expected to carry forward the series' tradition of mind-bending twists and gruesome traps. With Kevin Greutert at the helm and a script by Peter Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next in the Jigsaw saga.

Wan’s legacy as a pioneer of the modern horror genre is unquestionable, and while he may not return to direct, his imprint on Saw and horror filmmaking endures.

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