A Saw Horror Reboot Is Coming from … Chris Rock?

Well, this is a prominent entry in the “headlines we weren’t expecting to see today” file. It seems that comedian Chris Rock, of all people, is spearheading a new reboot of the Saw franchise for Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures. Rock has written a story for the new film that is being adapted by writers Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, with Rock executive producing alongside a bevy of names that include original Saw creators James Wan and Leigh Whannel. Directing is Darren Lynn Bousman, who directed Saw entries 2, 3 and 4. Lionsgate has already penciled in the film for an Oct. 23, 2020 release, which would certainly be putting it on the fast track.

To reiterated: Wait, what? Chris Rock wants to make a Saw movie? One that exists somewhere outside the original (and very convoluted) Saw timeline?

“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.”