Moviefone Editorial

Tag: saw-x

  • Why Blumhouse Is The ‘Saw’ Franchise’s Best Chance

    Jigsaw in 2023's 'Saw X'. Photo: Lionsgate Films.
    Jigsaw in 2023’s ‘Saw X’. Photo: Lionsgate Films.

    Preview:

    • Saw XI was canceled by Lionsgate in March 2025
    • Blumhouse is reportedly in talks with Twisted Pictures to acquire their portion of the Saw franchise
    • Blumhouse is by far the best fit, and the Saw franchise’s only real hope of survival

    Help us Jason Blum, you’re our only hope.

    The ‘Saw’ movies are wildly popular in the horror community, so when Lionsgate canceled the eleventh installment, fans were devastated. The reasoning for the cancellation is even more frustrating, as it seems to stem from disagreements between the producers and Lionsgate. Not being able to put their differences aside, the project was removed from release calendars. It felt as if all hope was lost for these beloved films to continue.

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    While the franchise has its ups and downs, it really found its footing with the return of Tobin Bell as Jigsaw in ‘Saw X’. The fanbase was reinvigorated and waiting on the edge of their seats to see what traps were in store for us in ‘Saw XI’. Now that Blumhouse has entered the picture, things are looking up. Out of all the studios that could acquire the rights, they are the perfect fit. Here’s why.

    Related Article: ‘Now You See Me 3,’ ‘Ballerina’ at Lionsgate’s CinemaCon Presentation

    Blumhouse Will Make Sure The Saw Franchise Stays The Same

    2004's 'Saw'. Photo: Lionsgate Films.
    2004’s ‘Saw’. Photo: Lionsgate Films.

    The ‘Saw’ movies simply do not work without the use of unique and thrilling traps. The whole premise of these films is people being forced to play horrific games that test their will to live. The victims have often done something in their past to put them on Jigsaw’s radar, and most of them do not make it out alive.

    What has made this franchise stand out among others is the traps. Fans are so obsessed with them that there are multiple rankings found online, and if one falls flat, they are sure to make noise about it. If put in the wrong hands, the ‘Saw’ franchise could easily go downhill.

    The studio behind it needs to not only have confidence in what they can do for the movies, but they also need to ensure the new films capture the feel of the previous ones. There is no need for a revival or reboot; what comes next must be a continuation. Blumhouse will absolutely be willing to do this, while other studios could think of this acquisition as an opportunity to start all over again.

    Blumhouse Knows How To Deliver A Great Horror Movie

    M3GAN in 'M3GAN,' directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    M3GAN in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Blumhouse is by far the perfect home for the ‘Saw’ franchise. If it cannot be Twisted Pictures anymore, it should be them. The studio knows the horror business inside and out. They have projects that fill every corner of the genre – from comedy horrors like ‘M3gan’, to thrillers like ‘The Black Phone’, to outright terrifying movies like ‘Insidious’, and everything in between.

    Being such a well-loved franchise, it is scary to see the ‘Saw’ movies with a new studio at the helm. Switching hands is often a death sentence because the new films can lose what made the older ones what they were. If anyone can be trusted with the future of ‘Saw’, however, it is Blumhouse. Not only do they know what they are doing, but they have a passion for the genre, which is apparent whenever you watch one of their films.

    Blumhouse puts their heart and soul into making movies for the fans, and ‘Saw’ will be no different. The fact that they are the saviors riding in on white horses is a testament to Jason Blum and his team. This does not feel like a cash grab but rather a way to ensure these films keep coming because of the love they have for horror as a whole. Surely, they appreciate what these movies do for the genre and do not want to see that end.

    Jason Blum Welcomes Collaboration

    'M3GAN' producer and CEO of Blumhouse Productions Jason Blum.
    ‘M3GAN’ producer and CEO of Blumhouse Productions Jason Blum.

    Considering the fact that Saw XI was canceled because of an internal dispute, another reason Blumhouse is the perfect choice to acquire the rights is because CEO Jason Blum welcomes collaboration and creativity. He works closely with James Wan of Atomic Monster, and while the two surely have disagreements behind closed doors from time to time, they don’t ever let it affect their films.

    There have been many interviews with directors and producers who have worked with him, and they never have anything bad to say. In fact, they praise the way he believes in them. It is known in the industry that he is open to any and all ideas and that he is always willing to put trust in his team. Blumhouse’s production model is to make films on a smaller budget and allow the directors creative freedom to do what they feel is best. Blum is known for working with indie filmmakers to help them bring their vision to life.

    Jigsaw in 2023's 'Saw X'. Photo: Lionsgate Films.
    Jigsaw in 2023’s ‘Saw X’. Photo: Lionsgate Films.

    Blumhouse recently put on their first ‘The Business Of Fear’ event in Los Angeles, where they spent nearly an hour breaking down the horror genre and discussing why it is thriving. Horror films are made for the big screen, and Jason Blum expressed that a theatrical experience is always the right way to see a scary movie. Just listening to him speak for that long with such vigor and excitement made it quite clear how much these movies mean to him.

    ‘Saw’ would be in good hands with Blumhouse because not only will they ensure the new movies feel cohesive to the previous ones, but they also know how to do horror right, and they are passionate about the genre. If anyone can pull this off, it is them.

    With Twisted Pictures crumbling, it is time for them to pass the torch. Jason Blum is standing by, at the ready, and is the obvious choice. It is a little nerve-wracking knowing these producers are arguing with one another. Hopefully they can come together and do with is right, if for no one else than for the fans who have invested twenty-one years in this franchise and do not want to see it come to an end.

    Tobin Bell in 2004's 'Saw'. Photo: Lionsgate Films.
    Tobin Bell in 2004’s ‘Saw’. Photo: Lionsgate Films.

    Movies In The ‘Saw’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Saw’ Movies On Amazon

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  • CinemaCon 2023: Lionsgate Films Presentation

    Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow and Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird in 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.'
    (L to R) Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow and Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.

    Lionsgate might not quite have the same number of giant films to tout compared to its bigger studio rivals, but it has some solid performers. Could there be chatter about the success of ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ and a look ahead to spin-off ‘Ballerina’, which stars Ana de Armas?

    And, of course, the company is headed back to the world of ‘The Hunger Games’ later this year for a prequel.

    Team Lionsgate kicked off by mentioning their two upcoming titles –– as in this week –– with ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’ and ‘Sisu’ before turning to the forthcoming rest of the year and beyond…. Which somewhat surprisingly turned out to be a sizzle reel or imagery and logos that dispensed with most of the slate.

    Rachel McAdams as Barbara Dimon and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon in 'Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.'
    (L to R) Rachel McAdams as Barbara Dimon and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon in ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’ Photo Credit: Dana Hawley.

    Among the movies we can expect?

    ‘About my Father’ (May 26th), a new comedy drama starring Robert De Niro, horror spoof ‘The Blackening’ (June 16th), raucous comedy ‘Joy Ride’ (more on that in a moment), ‘Wonder’ spin-off ‘White Bird’ (August 18th) and ‘The Expendables 4’ (September 22, which only showed a logo, but promises more action with genre legends and new faces).

    Plus, there is ‘Ordinary Angels’ (October 13), which stars Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson and is inspired by the true story of a hairdresser who single-handedly rallies an entire community to help a widowed father save the life of his critically ill young daughter. And finally in the reel, ‘Saw X’, which arrives just in time for Halloween on October 27th.

    First up, one of the biggies…

    ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’

    Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird and Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow in 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.'
    (L to R) Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird and Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.

    This prequel to the hugely successful movie series that starred Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen returns us to the dystopian world of Panem (where conflict has led to huge shortages and “Districts” send “Tributes” to compete in lethal games to distract the populace.

    This time, however, the story is set decades before the time of Katniss and focuses on a younger Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth –– playing the character who will eventually become Donald Sutherland’s cruel President Snow). At this point, the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol.

    With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), the girl tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy Gray’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake.

    ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ will be in theaters on November 17th.
    ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ will be in theaters on November 17th.

    A new poster appeared on screen, which was soon followed by the first trailer for the movie that you can see below.

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    It’s suitably epic, with the likes of Viola Davis, Peter Dinklage and Jason Schwartzman all involved, and even a vocal cameo for Donald Sutherland –– pointing to a potential bookend for the movie –– who reminds us that “it’s the things you love the most that destroy you.”

    But that was it for the movie; no star power and little else mentioned.

    ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ will be in theaters on November 17th.

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    Next up, something all-together ruder and more chaotic…

    ‘Joy Ride’

    Stephanie Hsu as Kat, Sabrina Wu as Deadeye, Ashley Park as Audrey, and Sherry Cola as Lolo in 'Joy Ride.'
    (L to R) Stephanie Hsu as Kat, Sabrina Wu as Deadeye, Ashley Park as Audrey, and Sherry Cola as Lolo in ‘Joy Ride.’

    As mentioned, Lionsgate is hopeful for new comedy ‘Joy Ride’, directed by ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ co-writer Adele Lim and starring Ashley Park, Sherry Cola and ‘Everything Everywhere’ Oscar nominee Stephanie Hsu.

    Written by Cherry Chevapravatdumrong & Teresa Hsiao, Joy Ride is a story of identity and self-discovery focusing on four unlikely friends who embark on a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure. When Audrey’s (Park) business trip to Asia goes sideways, she enlists the aid of Lolo (Cola), her irreverent, childhood best friend who also happens to be a hot mess; Kat (Hsu), her college friend turned Chinese soap star; and Deadeye (Sabrina Wu), Lolo’s eccentric cousin.

    This one at least had the on-stage support of producer Seth Rogen, who showed up (in a different outfit from the Paramount presentation) to enthuse about the movie and how it was the first comedy he watched after pandemic lockdowns and how much of a relief it was to see someone making one after the long, dark slog.

    And that was pretty much it for talk of the film –– since Lionsgate screened it for the CinemaCon crowd.

    Director Adele Lim on the set of 'Joy Ride.'
    Director Adele Lim on the set of ‘Joy Ride.’ Photo Courtesy of Lionsgate. Copyright © 2023 Lionsgate.

    Movies Presented at Lionsgate Films 2023 CinemaCon Presentation:

    Buy Lionsgate Movies On Amazon

     

  • Tobin Bell Back as Jigsaw for Next ‘Saw’ Movie

    Tobin Bell as John Kramer / Jigsaw in James Wan's 'Saw.'
    Tobin Bell as John Kramer / Jigsaw in James Wan’s ‘Saw.’

    Since James Wan and Leigh Whannell’s first ‘Saw’ movie way back in 2004, the crafty, trap-setting killer John Kramer – better known as “Jigsaw” – has been kidnapping and murdering people in fiendish fashion.

    Even his death from a slashed throat in ‘Saw III’ didn’t stop him; he continued to posthumously oversee his schemes through recordings and videos. And then there were the flashbacks that explored his tragic history and the reasons he punishes others (or has them make tough choices based on their dodgy moral behavior, depending on how you look at it).

    His return might not be as surprising as thought, though – writer Josh Stolberg teased Jigsaw’s return in the new movie, writing, “What I can promise you is that this is gonna make John Kramer fans very happy!!!” on social media last December.

    How he’ll factor into ‘Saw X’ (or whatever they decide to call it) is anyone’s guess at this point. Will he show up somehow back from the dead? Will it be his heretofore-unknown twin brother? Unlikely.

    “What a thrill to be reuniting with Tobin Bell,” say producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules in a statement. “His performance as John Kramer is part of the magic that made this franchise a phenomenon and his character is an active part of this film.”

    Tobin Bell as Billy Ford in 2021's 'A Father's Legacy.'
    Tobin Bell as Billy Ford in 2021’s ‘A Father’s Legacy.’

    The ‘Saw’ franchise has become a big money-spinner for Lionsgate, which has pumped out nine main entries and also the mythology-expanding ‘Spiral’, which starred Chris Rock and directed by Darren Lynn Bousman. And no, in case anyone was reaching for the easy joke, the villain was not Will Smith (you’d have had to have a time machine to make that work, since the Oscars slap didn’t happen until 2022).

    Together, the main movies have earned more than $1 billion in box office and retail income, which is not bad for a franchise that is relatively cheap to produce. The original movie, for example, was made for $1.2 million.

    Those who have worked on the various movies have gone on to successful careers in horror and beyond, not the least Wan, who is behind both another massive horror franchise in the ‘Conjuring’ movies, has directed big films in other genres such as both ‘Aquaman’ outings and a ‘Fast & Furious’ entry and has become quite the producer, backing a variety of other movies.

    And it has also gone on to be a regular favorite beyond the movie screen, with a live experience touring several cities and appearing for years as part of Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights.

    The next ‘Saw’ movie will be directed by Kevin Greutert, who has been with the franchise since the beginning. He edited the first five movies before stepping up to direct ‘Saw VI’ and ‘Saw 3D’. He went off to direct his own movies but did edit ‘Jigsaw’ and acted as an executive producer on ‘Spiral’.

    ‘Saw X’ is shooting and will head to theaters on October 27th next year – just in time for Halloween.

    Jigsaw in 2004's 'Saw.'
    Jigsaw in 2004’s ‘Saw.’
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