The Saw reboot’s cast continues to grow. With a release date of October 23, 2020, production of the next installment commenced this week after Lionsgate confirmed its development earlier this year. Surprisingly, we can thank comedian Chris Rock for the return. Rock, a long-time fan, came up with the idea for a new plot. However, Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg are taking on writing duties. The pair also penned the last entry of the series: 2017’s Jigsaw. And now, the project has an even bigger star linked to it in Samuel L Jackson.
Jackson’s Saw inclusion was first rumored on Reddit via leaked set photos. But bloodydisgusting.com has since confirmed that he will be playing Chris Rock’s father. Lionsgate is keeping plot details relatively under wraps. All that is known is that Rock will play a detective investigating certain Jigsaw-like crimes. But whether this is a sequel, reboot, or spin-off is unclear.
Alongside Rock and Jackson, Max Minghella (The Social Network, The Handmaid’s Tale) will star as Rock’s partner. Marisol Nichols (Riverdale) will play his police captain. However, Lionsgate has not announced if Tobin Bell will reprise his role as series villain Jigsaw.
During a press release announcing Samuel L. Jackson’s involvement, Lionsgate chairman Joe Drake had nothing but excitement to share.
“We think Samuel L Jackson and Chris Rock along with Max Minghella and Marisol Nichols make this film completely special in the Saw canon. We can’t wait to unleash this unexpected and sinister new story on fans of this franchise. This is the next level of Saw on full tilt.”
In addition to the writers, another familiar name will return for this installment. Darren Lynn Bousman, who helmed the second, third, and fourth Saw movies, will direct this one. Balancing the horror roots with updates is crucial for a reboot to get right. But as long as the gore and clever traps Saw is famous for are present, fans will undoubtedly be pleased.
