‘SAW’ – Mike P. Nelson Set to Direct the Next Installment in the Horror Franchise

The SAW franchise is officially moving into a new era, with Mike P. Nelson set to direct the next installment in the long-running horror series.

The untitled film comes after Blumhouse Atomic Monster acquired the rights to the franchise from Twisted Pictures. SAW creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell are also returning in producing roles and will help guide the future of the series alongside Blumhouse and Lionsgate.

Nelson, whose credits include The Domestics, Wrong Turn, and Silent Night, Deadly Night, will direct the new movie from a screenplay by Gregory Weidman and Geoff Tock, the writers behind Below and Dune: Prophecy.

James Wan, Jason Blum, and Leigh Whannell are producing, with Mark Burg, Oren Koules, Stacey Testro, Michael Clear, and Judson Scott serving as executive producers. Alayna Glasthal and Sarah Paek are overseeing the project for Atomic Monster.

Wan said the filmmakers were looking for a director who could respect the foundation of the original SAW while bringing a fresh perspective to the franchise.

Nelson also teased a return to the series’ mystery-driven roots while promising plenty of new material for fans of its trademark brutality.

“Let the games begin!”

The new movie marks another significant connection between Wan and the franchise he helped launch. Wan directed the original SAW, while Whannell wrote and starred in the 2004 film.

The pair’s major involvement with the franchise continued through SAW III in 2006, which was written by Whannell from a story he developed with Wan. That film was initially conceived as a potential conclusion to the series, with both Jigsaw and Amanda Young meeting their apparent ends.

Obviously, SAW had other plans.

The franchise went on to produce multiple additional sequels, eventually becoming a billion-dollar horror property. Now, with Blumhouse Atomic Monster taking the reins, the series is preparing for its next chapter.

Nelson previously made his feature directorial debut with 2018’s The Domestics before going on to helm Wrong Turn (2021) and Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025). His upcoming credits include Beware Boiúna.

He also directed Sweet Revenge, a short film set within the Jason Universe.

The new SAW movie currently has no official title or release date, but we’ll bring you more details as they emerge.