Lionsgate Taps Saw Writers for Leprechaun Franchise Revival

Horror Veterans Reunite for Franchise Extension

Lionsgate has authorized a new installment in the Leprechaun horror cycle, securing the writing duo behind four Saw sequels to lead the creative effort. Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, known for their work on The Collector and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, are tasked with penning the script. This development follows a 2024 initiative involving director Felipe Vargas and writer Mike Van Waes that did not move forward as originally planned.

Production Leadership and Strategy

Oren Koules, a mainstay in the horror genre who produced every entry in the billion-dollar Saw franchise, will produce the film alongside Miles Koules through Koulest Productions. Executive producers include Dan Heffner and Ketura Kestin. While specific plot details remain confidential, Oren Koules stated to Deadline that the project aims to find a terrifying fresh entry point into the established lore. Lionsgate gained control of the IP following its acquisition of Trimark Pictures in 2000.

Key Facts

• The Leprechaun franchise currently consists of eight films released between 1993 and 2018.
• Warwick Davis portrayed the titular character in the first six installments of the series.
• Jennifer Aniston made one of her earliest film appearances in the 1993 original directed by Mark Jones.
• Recent franchise history includes Leprechaun: Origins, directed in 2014 by Zach Lipovsky.
• The series maintains a presence in popular culture through annual St. Patrick's Day marathons on the Syfy network.

Background

The property centers on a vengeful, comedic leprechaun who executes anyone who interferes with his legendary pot of gold. Melton and Dunstan bring significant genre experience to the revival, having previously written Saw IV, Saw V, Saw VI, and Saw 3D. Their collaboration with Oren Koules extends a professional relationship that has spanned over two decades at Lionsgate.

Source: Deadline