“Saw” finds its new director: Mike P. Nelson takes over the horror franchise as James Wan returns as producer

The legendary horror franchise “Saw” has found its new director. Lionsgate and Blumhouse Atomic Monster announced on Thursday, September 24, 2026, that Mike P. Nelson will direct the saga’s next film — news that opens a new chapter after the cancellation of the much-discussed “Saw XI.”

The news is all the more significant thanks to the return of James Wan, director of the original 2004 “Saw.” Wan will return as producer of the new film, alongside Jason Blum and the saga’s co-creator Leigh Whannell. The script will be written by Gregory Weidman and Geoff Tock, the duo known for their work on the series “Dune: Prophecy.”

Nelson is a familiar name to horror fans: he directed the “Wrong Turn” reboot (2021), “Silent Night, Deadly Night” and a segment of the anthology “V/H/S/85.” His latest film, “Beware Boiúna,” had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest and hits theaters on October 2.

The franchise rights passed from Twisted Pictures to Blumhouse, which is now collaborating with Lionsgate to bring a new “Saw” era to the screen. Plot details, cast and the new film’s release date have not yet been revealed.

Source: Just Jared