Due to the gruesome nature of the Saw franchise, it doesn’t have many returning characters. Of course, the one major exception to that rule is Tobin Bell’s unforgettable turn as the Jigsaw killer, with the franchise’s many sequels working through his ‘interesting’ perspectives on righteous justice. Not even his death in Saw III was able to keep him down, as he’s still had a role in each film in the series since.
Most recently, we saw his first ‘game’ in Jigsaw, and a lot of fans figured that this flashback to his formative days nicely wrapped up his story. After all, with a whopping eight movies in the franchise, how much more could there really be to say about him? Well, apparently not a whole lot, as we’re now learning that the series will be rebooted, with Chris Rock teaming up with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures to bring us a fresh take on the franchise.
According to Deadline, Rock’s on board to executive produce the film, having written a story which will be adapted by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg. Set for an October 23rd, 2020 release, here’s what the studio had to share about the project.
“When Chris Rock came to us and described in chilling detail his fantastic vision that reimagines and spins-off the world of the notorious Jigsaw Killer, we were all-in,” said Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group chairman Joe Drake.
“Saw is one of the highest grossing horror franchises of all-time and it’s one of Lionsgate’s most successful film series. This upcoming film will still be as mind bending and intense as all the previous Saw films. Chris conceived this idea and it will be completely reverential to the legacy of the material while reinvigorating the brand with his wit, creative vision and passion for this classic horror franchise.”
Rock himself had the following to add:
“I’ve been a fan of Saw since the first film in 2004,” said Rock. “I am excited by the opportunity to take this to a really intense and twisted new place.”
Given that none of the sequels have come close to touching the heights of the original, rebooting the franchise isn’t the worst idea. We imagine that Tobin Bell won’t be involved, given that this is a reboot, but at this stage, we can’t say for sure. We don’t have any other firm details aside from what we shared above and right now, it’s anyone’s guess as to what Lionsgate might be cooking up here.
Either way, though, unlike most of its unfortunate characters, it’s looking as if the Saw franchise will have legs for a while yet, and as soon as we learn more about what form the series will take next, we’ll be sure to let you know. Stay tuned.