Chris Rock’s “Saw” Spinoff Will Be an EVENT!

“It will have all of the twists and turns and hardcore layers that our fans expect”

Nope…. It’s no joke! It sounds like comedian Chris Rock is really helping to reboot the SAW franchise. The news broke late last week that Rock had approached Lionsgate with a “Fantastic vision that reimagines and spins off the world of the notorious Jigsaw Killer” and now the film has a director and release date. Rock Said in the announcement.

“I’ve been a fan of ‘Saw’ since the first film in 2004… I am excited by the opportunity to take this to a really intense and twisted new place.”

The franchise revolves around the fictional character John Kramer, also called Jigsaw by the police and press, who traps victims in situations that test their will to live. These twisted games usually revolve around the victims having to mutilate their own bodies in order free themselves. Tobin Bell has portrayed Jigsaw in all eight films, and it’s not yet clear if he will return. The new films have been called “reimagine” and “spin-off” so it’s unclear if this is a re-boot or a continuation of the films. 

Joe Drake, chairman of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group said

“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… ‘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.”

The new film will be directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, who is no stranger to the series, having helmed “Saw II,” “Saw III” and “Saw IV.” The screenplay is based on the story conceived by Rock, who will also be an executive producer alongside the original creators of Saw, James Wan and Leigh Whannell. It’s being written by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg. 

Producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules will continue their eight film run of the series, chipping in with the following insight into the new film. 

“Chris wants to put his own spin on the ‘Saw’ franchise in the way Eddie Murphy put a completely fresh perspective on buddy-cop films with ’48 Hours. This new ‘Saw’ is going to be an event film in the making for horror fans. It will have all of the twists and turns and hardcore layers that our fans expect directed by one of the masters of the craft, Darren Lynn Bousman. We can’t wait to get started.”

Looking to play a new GAME? Set your calendars for October 23rd 2020! Yep, the new film will be keeping the Halloween release date tradition.