The horrorsphere is all aflutter this morning with reports that Darren Lynn Bousman is heading back to the SAW mill with a story conceived by Chris Rock. Let’s do the math here. Bousman who was responsible for three of the more successful additions to the franchise is a solid move after the high-concept reboot JIGSAW only pulled in just over 38 million domestically. Add to that the fresh and irreverent take that Chris Rock should bring to the franchise and, well, what could go wrong?
Rock has developed the story that will be adapted by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg. While nothing has even been hinted at this early in the game, it might even be safe to assume that John Murdy is on the short list of people getting a look at the screenplay when it is ready for a possible maze.
“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 Joe Drake, Chairman of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group. “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.”
“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,” said Burg and Koules.
The new SAW film will is set to be released Oct. 23rd 2020, by veteran SAW producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules, along with executive producers Chris Rock, Daniel Heffner, James Wan and Leigh Whannell.
