Tobin Bell Returns as Jigsaw for Next ‘Saw’ Movie

Since James Wan and Leigh Whannell’s first ‘Saw’ film in 2004, scheming killer and trapper John Kramer – better known as “Jigsaw” – has been kidnapping and murdering people in a vicious manner.

Even his death from a slit throat in ‘Saw III’ didn’t stop him; he kept an eye on his plans posthumously through recordings and videos. And then there are flashbacks that explore his tragic history and the reasons he punishes others (or makes them make tough choices based on their astute moral behavior, depending on how you look at it).

His return may not be as surprising as one might think, though – writer Josh Stolberg teased Jigsaw’s return in the new film, writing, “All I can promise you is that this will make John Kramer fans very happy!!!” on social media last December.

How he would account for ‘Saw X’ (or whatever they decided to call it) was anyone’s guess at this point. Will he somehow come back from the dead? Was it his hitherto unknown twin brother? It doesn’t seem like it.

“It has been a pleasure to be reunited with Tobin Bell,” producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules said in a statement. “His performance as John Kramer is part of the magic that made this franchise such a phenomenon and his characters are an active part of this film.”

The ‘Saw’ franchise has been a big moneymaker for Lionsgate, which has put out nine main entries as well as the mythological ‘Spiral’, starring Chris Rock and directed by Darren Lynn Bousman. And no, if anyone’s looking for an easy joke, the villain isn’t Will Smith (you have to have a time machine to make it work, because the Oscar slap doesn’t happen until 2022).

Together, the major films have grossed over $1 billion in box office and retail revenue, which isn’t bad for a franchise that’s relatively cheap to produce. The original film, for example, was made for $1.2 million.

Those who have worked in various films have achieved successful careers in horror and beyond, not least Wan, who is behind the other two major horror franchises in the film ‘Conjuring’, has directed big films in other genres such as the two ‘Aquaman Outings’. and the ‘Fast & Furious’ entry and has been quite a producer, backing a variety of other films.

And it’s also become a regular off-screen favorite, with hands-on experiences touring multiple cities and appearing over the years as part of Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Night.

The next ‘Saw’ film will be directed by Kevin Greutert, who has been with the franchise since its inception. He edited the first five films before stepping in to direct ‘Saw VI’ and ‘Saw 3D’. He went on to direct his own film but edited ‘Jigsaw’ and acted as executive producer on ‘Spiral’.

‘Saw X’ is currently shooting and will hit theaters on October 27 next year – just in time for Halloween.