Superstar comedian Chris Rock approached Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures with a reimagined version of Saw, the studio's popular horror franchise.
According to Deadline, Rock wrote a "mind-bending" script for the reboot that was loved by writers Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, the duo responsible for 2017's Jigsaw, the eighth Saw film.
"I’ve been a fan of Saw since the first film in 2004," Rock said. "I am excited by the opportunity to take this to a really intense and twisted new place."
Joe Drake, the chairman of Lionsgate's Motion Picture Group, revealed the excitement surrounding the film project, for which Rock will also serve as a producer.
"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,” the movie executive said. "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."
The film is slated to be released on Oct. 23, 2020.
