Lionsgate has bumped up the release of its new “‘Saw’ on steroids” movie, fronted by Chris Rock, from October 23, 2020 to a “Summer” date of May 15, 2020. A longtime fan of the franchise, Rock came up with the story for the new movies, which will be embellished by screenwriters Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg. ‘Saw II’, ‘III’, and ‘IV’s Darren Lynn Bousman will direct, with Rock starring as a police detective investigating a series of grisly murders. Samuel L. Jackson will appear as Rock’s father. Max Minghella will co-star as William Schenk, Rock’s partner, while Marisol Nichols plays their boss, Capt. Angie Garza.
The new ‘Saw’, which doesn’t have a name yet, is said to feature an “amped-up level of deviously treacherous traps, clever clues and the edge-of-the-seat suspense [fans] expect from one of the world’s most terrifying horror franchises.”
It’s clear that Lionsgate views this as a true “event film” as they are shifting it to a much more competitive frame, in between the releases of Marvel’s ‘Black Widow’ and ‘Fast & Furious 9′. This is the same release date as Warner Brothers’ animated reboot ‘Scoob’.
As Rock previously expressed:
“I’ve been a fan of Saw since the first film in 2004. I am excited by the opportunity to take this to a really intense and twisted new place.”
Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group chairman, Joe Drake added:
“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. 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.”
Producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules went on to say:
“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.”
The new Chris Rock-fronted ‘Saw’ will now open on May 15, 2020.
Source: Deadline
