The 'Saw' Franchise Is Being Rebooted by Chris Rock

BY Josiah HughesPublished May 16, 2019

Saw has terrified audiences for eight films in its franchise, but John "Jigsaw" Kramer is not done yet. Instead, the film series will be rebooted, and it's found an unlikely person to push it in new directions — comedian Chris Rock.

"I've been a fan of Saw since the first film in 2004," Rock said in a statement [via Variety]. "I am excited by the opportunity to take this to a really intense and twisted new place."

The new Saw will be directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, who handled Saw IISaw III and Saw IV. It's based on a story from Rock that was fleshed out by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg. Rock will also executive produce the film, though it's unclear if he'll appear in it.

"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 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."

Added producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules, "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."

Chris Rock's new Saw has been dated for October 23, 2020.

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