Latest news with #TobinBell
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Legendary horror film franchise described as '100% dead' gets exciting update in huge win for fans
A legendary horror film franchise that was described as '100% dead' has received an exciting update in a huge win for fans. The first ever Saw film hit screens in 2004 and ten movies later, the gory tale has captivated viewers for years. After the initial release, the film put stars Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith on the map, who would return as John Kramer a.k.a. Jigsaw and Amanda Young in several sequels. Back in December 2023, Saw XI was announced for a September 2024 release following the huge success of Saw X. However, earlier this year it was revealed the film was 'stalled at a managerial level' and writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan claimed they have been blanked by Lionsgate since turning in a draft in May 2024 in an interview with THR. The most recent film in the Tobin Bell-led franchise - Saw X - was released in September 2023 and was a critical and commercial success. Melton, who has worked on the franchise since 2007's Saw IV said: 'It's stalled at a managerial level. It has nothing to do with the creative or anything else. There's higher-level things at play.' Saw XI addresses a 'timely topic' Melton confirmed, although plot details have been not revealed. 'It taps into the same themes of Saw VI, where you're a citizen, you feel angry and frustrated with something, you feel like you can't do anything, and John Kramer's going to do it.' Melton further claimed the film was 'held up' due to 'inter-squabbling between producers and Lionsgate. They just can't quite get on the same page.' A source added to Bloody Disgusting of Saw XI: 'It's totally dead. It's 100% over. Almost a year now.' Now, it has been reported that Blumhouse has acquired part of the Saw franchise from Twisted Pictures, with Lionsgate still continuing as a partner. It marks a positive move for the future of the 11th movie, though no information about it has been released yet. The Hollywood Reporter told how Blumhouse boss Jason Blum said: 'The Saw franchise has defined a generation of horror, and its cultural impact continues to grow, making this a strategic investment in one of the most recognisable and successful genre properties of the last two decades. 'But what really excites me about bringing Saw to Blumhouse is having James and Leigh back in the fold and to see the future of the franchise come to life with their guidance.' It means James Wan, who directed the first ever Saw film, could be involved with the series again. He said: 'Saw holds a special place in my heart—it's where Leigh and I began our Hollywood journey. Coming back to this world with a fresh perspective is both thrilling and deeply personal. 'For me, this will mark a significant creative return to the Saw franchise for the first time since the early days, and I'm very much looking forward to embracing the original spirit whilst pushing the legacy forward in bold, unexpected ways.' While Twisted Pictures co-owner Oren Koules said: 'With the success of the tenth film, this felt like the right time to pass the baton. I'm incredibly proud of what we've built with Lionsgate over the past 20 years and deeply grateful to the fans who've been with us since the beginning. 'It's especially meaningful to see the franchise return to its original creators, James and Leigh, and I can't think of a better partner than Jason to lead Saw into its next chapter.' Co-owner Mark Burg added: '21 years ago, we met James Wan and Leigh Whannell and financed the first Saw movie. The film was magical and a hit beyond our wildest dreams, and our fans kept the franchise alive for over 20 years. 'It's been an amazing ride and, with the recent passing of our beloved executive producer, Jason Constantine, it's time for me to move on and tell new stories. 'Saw will always be a part of my history and Hollywood history, and I hope Jigsaw and the Saw Universe live on for many more movies and years to come. 'Lastly, I'd like to thank all the amazing actors, crew, and Lionsgate executives who have worked with us on 10 movies over the past 20 years — none of this could have happened without you all. 'We wish James, Leigh and Jason huge success with the continuation of the franchise.'
Geek Culture
05-06-2025
- Business
- Geek Culture
Blumhouse Potentially Acquiring 'Saw' Rights, Reconnecting Co-Creator James Wan With Franchise
In a deal that would mark a full-circle moment for the Saw franchise, Deadline has reported that Blumhouse is in talks to acquire the ownership stake of the intellectual property (IP) from Twisted Pictures. It's an old back-and-forth between the two companies, but if the takeover goes through, the cult horror series will partially be back in the hands of original film director James Wan, also credited as co-creator alongside scribe Leigh Whannell. Lionsgate, distributor of the movies since 2004, is set to remain a partner. Blumhouse, founded by Jason Blum, merged with Wan's production banner, Atomic Monster, early last year. Some of its notable upcoming titles for the year include M3GAN 2.0 , releasing on 27 June, and Five Nights at Freddy's 2 , slated to hit the silver screen in December. As for Saw , it went against the slim odds of an 18-day shoot and a US$1.2 million production budget to become one of the most profitable horror movies of all time. The feature earned a global haul of US$104 million, spawning several sequels that centred on trapped victims of notorious serial killer John 'Jigsaw' Kramer trying to survive through physical or psychological torture. The first follow-up, titled Saw II , debuted one year later in October 2005, with the last instalment being 2023's Saw X . An 11th film was previously in development for September 2025, but is no longer on the release slate after conflicting producer visions stalled the process. Veteran actor Tobin Bell was originally set to reprise his role as Jigsaw, and while it's unclear how things will now pan out, Billy the Puppet — the ventriloquist dummy used in the films by Jigsaw — assured fans that 'the game is never over'. Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really. Atomic Monster Blumhouse productions James Wan Saw
Metro
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Brutal horror film with 'diabolical gore' finally arrives on Netflix
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A 'brutal' and 'bloody' horror film has finally arrived on Netflix to turn your stomach. Saw X, released in 2023, is the tenth installment in the wildly popular 'torture porn' franchise Saw, which began in 2004. The latest film took us back in time and saw the return of Tobin Bell as John Kramer, aka the terrifying Jigsaw killer, whose elaborate traps and trials have given us numerous nightmare-inducing moments in horror cinema. Saw X is set between the events of Saw and Saw II and sees Kramer travel to Mexico in search of a miracle cure following his cancer diagnosis. When he discovers the entire medical procedure he undergoes is a scam, he seeks bloody vengeance against those involved with another set of his infamous traps. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. The film is now available to watch on Netflix – but its not for the faint-hearted, with critics dubbing it 'thoroughly unpleasant.' It currently holds an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critic's consensus reading: 'Led by a franchise-best performance from Tobin Bell, Saw X reinvigorates the series with an installment that has a surprising amount of heart to go with all the gore.' In their review, The New York Times wrote: 'This is the most well-groomed Saw movie to date. The story mostly makes sense and [Kevin] Greutert pulls back on the frenetic editing techniques that made the older movies look like the blood and guts equivalent of white noise.' Bloody Disgusting added: 'Saw X delivers a franchise high, and that's no small feat ten installments deep. There's a comfortable sense of awareness and humor found in a sequel that utilizes its pared-back simplicity to showcase the characters and gore.' FlickDirect said Saw X is 'probably one of the best Saw films in over ten years', while Film Inquiry lauded its 'brutal, surgical precision and typically excellent practical effects.' The Hollywood Reporter wrote that 'the diabolical gore is as creative and brutal as ever,' with many agreeing this was a particularly bloody entry in the world of Saw. Saw – Netflix and Amazon Prime Video Saw II – Netflix Saw III – Netflix Saw IV – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Saw V – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Saw VI – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Saw 3D – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Jigsaw – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Spiral – Available to rent via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store Saw X – Netflix Speaking to Metro ahead of the film's release, producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg shared their famous bloody kills and convoluted traps from across the franchise. 'My favorite trap, or the scariest trap for me, is in Saw I,' Oren reflected. 'The guy laying on the floor, when Amanda takes the key out of the guy's stomach and takes the head trap off, that's me on the floor getting my stomach cut open. 'So, I have a very personal attachment to that trap.' More Trending 'My scariest trap was one where we call the Twisty Tim, where he was on a cross and we just bent his arms, and kept twisting his arms around until they snapped out of the sockets,' Mark added. 'To me, that just would scare the hell out of me.' It comes as a report from Bloody Disgusting states Saw XI has been cancelled, citing citing lack of progress on the project and studio disagreements. Saw X is available to stream now on Netflix Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: WWE Backlash 2025 preview and UK start time for 'last time ever' match MORE: 'Shocking' movie with disturbing twists finally streaming on Netflix today MORE: Critics demand their 'therapy bills paid for' after watching gruesome horror sequel
