In WTF news, it appears that Chris Rock has decided to follow in the footsteps of comedic actors like Jordan Peele and Danny McBride and make the leap into horror. According to Deadline, Lionsgate has signed the former ‘SNL’ alum to a deal that would see him reboot the massively successful early-2000s franchise, “Saw.”
Unlike Peele, Rock isn’t going to write and direct the new reboot of the franchise. Instead, he’ll take on a role similar to McBride, who worked on the recent “Halloween” reboot-quel, and develop the story and produce the film. Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg will adapt Rock’s story into a script, and the new “Saw” will be directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, who is probably best known for directing three entries in the franchise, including “Saw II,” “Saw III,” and “Saw IV.” He also helmed the cult film, “Repo! The Genetic Opera.”
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“I’ve been a fan of ‘Saw’ since the first film in 2004,” said Rock. “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 said, “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.”
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As mentioned by the studio, this new “Saw” isn’t a true reboot, but instead a new take on the franchise that apparently spins off of the previous films. Lionsgate attempted to reboot the franchise (sort of) with the recent “Jigsaw” film. However, as anyone with a brain and eyes who saw the film will tell you, “Jigsaw” was a less-than-successful attempt to reinvigorate the violent series.
Despite this film being in the early stages of development, Lionsgate has already planted a flag down on an October 23, 2020 release date.