The Saw reboot, which is currently slated for a May 2020 release, is surrounded by speculation about possible connections to the other films in the series.
Even though the plot details are relatively hush-hush, the film seems to be on track to hit theaters almost five months before its original release date of October 2020. Filming was underway in Toronto as early as July, so Lionsgate decided to move up the release, possibly so as not to have to compete at the box office with another major franchise giant: Halloween Kills. Technically, the franchise has already had a reboot in its midst before with the release of Jigsaw in 2017. However, the story for the reboot came from a somewhat unexpected source: Chris Rock.
Given that the franchise has gone through periods of time where it was supposed to end entirely (Saw 3D was originally titled “The Final Chapter”), a remake is an interesting direction, since it implies longevity and perhaps the start of a new series of films altogether. The franchise has been popular since its debut in 2004, and with the rise of remakes in Hollywood, especially in horror, the timing couldn’t be better for a new beginning.
“A Reimagining and a Spinning Off Of the Franchise”
The film’s working title is The Organ Donor, so that might hint at what the plot could contain, but according to Lionsgate, the Saw reboot is intended to be “a reimagining and a spinning off of the franchise.” Chris Rock supplied the idea for the script, which, given Rock’s propensity for occasionally dark, controversial humor, could very well be a match made in hell for the franchise. As a reimagining, it’s possible that the next film is taking the story of Jigsaw in a new direction entirely, perhaps connecting to his background as a surgeon and, if you take the working title as a hint, sourcing prospects for organ donation to save lives in his own, twisted way. Whatever the core of the plot, it’s bound to be a gory, blood-soaked delight for fans of the “torture porn” style of horror, where the Saw franchise always delivers.
Though the plot is very much under lock and key, likely to avoid spoiling any twists that the franchise is notorious for unleashing on audiences, the cast of the film looks absolutely spectacular. Samuel L. Jackson, Marisol Nichols, Max Minghella, Chris Rock, and Zoie Palmer are all slated to star.
Another feather in the cap for the Saw reboot is the return of Darren Lynn Bousman to the director’s chair. Bousman previously directed installments II, III, and IV. Chris Rock is reportedly playing a cop who is called to investigate a series of crimes. Jackson will be playing his father, and Nichols will be playing his boss, Captain Angie Garza.
How Does Saw 9’s Plot Connect?
This seems similar to the initial structure since various police officers and investigators took up cases throughout the series, each slowly exposing piece by piece of John Kramer’s (Tobin Bell) tangled web of vicious crime. Could Rock’s character, Zeke, somehow be connected to the previous cases? One might consider that some of them may have gone cold, and perhaps a new lead. This lead could be something that has to do with organ donation, especially if it’s done without consent, and could lead Zeke (Rock) back to Jigsaw. Or, perhaps, Jackson is the key – he is playing an older role, perhaps someone who was involved with Matthews (Saw II), Detective Mark Hoffman (Saw III), or even Detective Tapp from the first film.
Whatever direction the story goes, sources surrounding the project all seem thrilled about Rock’s idea, which is usually a good sign.
