The movies, released between 2004 and 2017, grossed over $1 billion for Lionsgate, and centered on a serial killer named Jigsaw and his followers who concocted elaborate death traps with a moral hook for the victims. The initial movie launched the career of filmmaker James Wan and are among the most profitable movies produced.
“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 motion picture group chairman Joe Drake in a statement. “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.”
The screenplay is based on a story conceived by Rock and written by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg. Darren Lynn Bousman, who helmed three of the eight movies in the Saw series, is back as helmer. with Burg and Koules producing.
“I’ve been a fan of Saw since the first film in 2004,” said Rock in Lionsgate’s announcement. “I am excited by the opportunity to take this to a really intense and twisted new place.”
Rock is also exec producing, with Wan and Leigh Whannell, who created the original 2004 movie, as well as Daniel Heffner joining him in that capacity.
Stated Burg and 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,.”
Rock will next be seen in Netflix’s Dolemite is My Name! as well as season four of FX’s Fargo.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
