Lionsgate And Blumhouse Go For Mike P. Nelson To Helm Next ‘Saw’ Film

The Saw franchise is making another comeback. This time with Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Lionsgate working together on the next installment. After announcing a deal to bring the rights to Blumhouse, now we’ve got news that Mike P. Nelson is directing the film. James Wan returns as a producer on the film. Nelson has previously worked with Lionsgate on Beware Boiúna.

Nelson will direct the film with a script from Gregory Weidman & Geoff Tock. It’ll be produced by James Wan, Jason Blum, and Leigh Whannell. Executive producers are Mark Burg, Oren Koules, Stacey Testro, Michael Clear, Judson Scott. Alayna Glasthal and Sarah Paek are the executives overseeing the film for Atomic Monster.

Beginning as a low-budget feature directed by Wan and written by Leigh Whannell, Saw made its original debut in the Midnight section of the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. Since that time, it has gone on to become the longest-running theatrical horror film franchise with a single continuous mythology—without reboots, remakes, or resetting of the canon. With Wan returning to the franchise as producer, the next film will reunite the creative team behind the franchise that launched the careers of the most disturbed minds in horror, and Nelson—a well-respected filmmaker in the genre who has honed his craft to get scares through tension, suspense, and character—is a perfect fit for the Saw mold. 

Fogelson said, “It speaks volumes that James Wan is passionate about returning to this franchise, and his belief in Mike evokes his own breakthrough with the original Saw. Mike is one of the promising voices shaping the next generation of horror.  He has a singular vision for this film, and we’re incredibly confident in what he’ll deliver.”

James Wan said, “Making the original Saw was a defining experience for me, so it was essential to find a director who would honor that world. 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.”

Mike P. Nelson added, “Being asked to play in this twisted sandbox with James is nothing short of a dream come true. 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!”

Who Is Mike P. Nelson?

Mike P. Nelson is a horror filmmaker who has directed plenty of horror franchises with new, contemporary takes. He’s previously directed Silent Night, Deadly Night, V/H/S 85, Wrong Turn, and the short film Sweet Revenge, which saw the return of Jason Voorhees to our screens after so many years away.

We’ll keep you updated on all things Saw as we get more news.

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