Just recently, Jason Blum talked about how he was done making “Paranormal Activity” films after the most recent sequel was so badly received. Apparently, Blumhouse is willing to do things that Lionsgate isn’t ready to do, as the latter studio is still trying to mine its “Saw” franchise well past what many would consider the expiration date.
According to Variety, Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures are teaming up, once again, to release a new “Saw” film. This will mark the 10th film in the “Saw” franchise, which began all the way back in 2004. There aren’t any details about the plot of the new “Saw” film, but we do know who is directing—Kevin Greutert. The filmmaker is probably best known for directing “Saw VI” (2009) and “Saw: The Final Chapter” (2010). (Yes, there was a ‘Final Chapter,’ but two more films followed that. Gotta love horror franchises, huh?) Greutert is also the person who edited the first five “Saw” features, as well as 2017’s “Jigsaw.”
“We have been listening to what the fans have been asking for and are hard at work planning a movie that Saw aficionados and horror fans alike will love,” said producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules. “And part of that is giving the reins to Kevin Greutert, director of ‘Saw VI,’ which is still one of the fans’ favorites in the entire series. More details will be revealed soon.”
The most recent entry in the “Saw” franchise came last year with “Spiral,” which stars Chris Rock. That film was expected to launch the horror franchise in a new direction with renewed interest in the plot of a killer using elaborate traps to kill their victims. Unfortunately, that film was released during a time when films weren’t doing so well in theaters because of the pandemic, and in addition, the reviews were less-than-complimentary. It was assumed that after ‘Final Chapter’ and two spinoffs/pseudo-sequels (‘Jigsaw’ and ‘Spiral’), the franchise was effectively dead. Alas, that is not the case. Because you know, money and whatnot.
The untitled “Saw” sequel is expected to arrive in theaters on October 27, 2023.