Saw (Chris Rock to Reboot Horror Franchise at Lionsgate) (October 23, 2020)

Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures are teaming up with Chris Rock to bring a new “Saw” film to theaters on Oct. 23, 2020, Chairman of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group Joe Drake announced on Thursday.

Rock will star in the project that he is also executive producing. The film will be produced by longtime “Saw” producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules. Darren Lynn Bousman, who helmed three of the most successful films in the “Saw” franchise, will direct this reimagining. The screenplay is based on a story by Rock and written by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg. Daniel Heffner and the original creators of “Saw,” James Wan and Leigh Whannell, will also executive produce.

“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,” Drake said 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.”

Rock added: “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.”

Rock is a comedian who has won four Emmy Awards and three Grammy Awards as a writer and stand-up. He will next be seen in “Molly” as well as Netflix’s “Dolemite is My Name!” He will soon go into production for the fourth season of “Fargo.”

Rock made his feature film debut in 1987’s “Beverly Hills Cop II,” and his other credits include “Boomerang,” “Lethal Weapon 4,” “The Longest Yard,” the “Madagascar” films, “Grown Ups,” “Death at a Funeral” and of course his directorial debut, “Head of State.” His TV credits include “Saturday Night Live,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “The Chris Rock Show” and his Netflix special “Tamborine” is currently streaming.

The “Saw” movies have grossed a total of $454 million at the domestic box office and almost $1 billion at the worldwide box office. “Saw II” and “Saw III” were the two highest grossing films in the series.

UltimateMarvel wrote:Nice! If James Wan is EP then this might turn out good. I love this franchise.

WyldeMan wrote:"If Jordan Peele can do it, why not Chris Rock?"

UltimateMarvel wrote:

WyldeMan wrote:"If Jordan Peele can do it, why not Chris Rock?"

I don't know about that. lol If it wasn't for the other names listed, I wouldn't be as excited about this.

WyldeMan wrote:That wasn't my actual opinion, It just seemed like the kind of thought that happened at Lionsgate in the pitch room.