The iconic horror franchise Saw has officially found its next director. Mike P. Nelson has been tapped to helm the upcoming installment for Lionsgate and Blumhouse Atomic Monster. The project marks a major milestone for the billion-dollar series. It is the first feature in years to bring back original co-creator James Wan.
Expanding a Growing Relationship with Lionsgate
Nelson brings an established track record in modern survival and creature horror. He directed the 2021 Wrong Turn reboot and the 2025 reimagining of Silent Night, Deadly Night. His most recent film is the upcoming creature feature Beware Boiúna. We called it “THE creature feature of 2026” during our recent interview with the talented director.
Reclaiming the Legacy of Jigsaw
James Wan and Leigh Whannell wrote the original 2004 Saw. It introduced the sinister Jigsaw killer and his elaborate, moralistic survival traps. The indie became a global box office sensation, launching Wan’s career and generating a blockbuster franchise that last appeared on the big screen with 2023’s Saw X.
The new production follows Blumhouse Atomic Monster’s acquisition of Twisted Pictures’ stake in the Saw intellectual property. It effectively returns the franchise to Wan’s leadership alongside Lionsgate.
Creative Team and Production Details
The screenplay for the untitled Saw film is penned by writing partners Gregory Weidman and Geoff Tock (Dune: Prophecy). Wan and Whannell will produce the project alongside Jason Blum.
According to the creative team, the script balances the claustrophobic mystery and intense moral tests of the original 2004 classic. It also introduces inventive new traps and narrative twists.
Nelson said this about the next film.
“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!” THR quotes Nelson as saying.
