Fans of the horror film genre may have felt a feeling of emptiness this Halloween when realizing there was no Saw film playing in their local theater. For the first time in seven years, Lionsgate did not release a new Saw movie but we knew this was going to be the case since before Saw 3D (Saw 7) even released.

Dropping the number from its title, introducing 3D into the franchise and adding a subtitle which emphasized the conclusion of the franchise, the plan was for Saw 3D: The Final Chapter to be the end. But where there's money to be made, how can such a franchise truly be done with?

This was a question I posed to the director and cast of Saw 3D before it released in theaters and Costas Mandylor, who plays the murderous Hoffman in the series, revealed that they had shot multiple endings to Saw 3D, and that the series could definitely continue depending on which they would use.

Since Saw 3D released and earned $136 million worldwide on a $20 million production budget, there's been little news on the series and it left quietly, opening the theater doors to the likes of Paranormal Activity. Saw 3D nearly doubled the revenue of its predecessor but it was by no means the most profitable installment in the series, even with the help of 3D ticket sales. This was no doubt part of the reason to give the series a break, but not a permanent one.

Speaking on CNBC about the recent reports about a potential merger between Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment, Lionsgate Vice Chairman Michael Burns dodged questions about business matters but didn't shy away from promoting their future release slate. When the question was posed about growth and consistency in revenue coming from franchises as the studio moves forward, Burns said that franchises were definitely the focus going forward, name-dropping The Expendables 2 and The Hunger Games.

What's more interesting is that he finished that answer with line, "we have a bunch of franchises, I'm sure some day you'll see Saw back in the picture."

Despite claims of the Saw franchise being over, when is a horror movie franchise really over? In fact, it's arguably the most re-made genre currently in film and whether or not the story of Saw continues or gets rebooted, it'll certainly return. It's just a matter of time. They're cheap and quick to make and always turn a profit.

Are you game for more Saw?

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Follow me on Twitter @rob_keyes.

Source: CNBC (via Bloody Disgusting)