Chris Rock Teaming With Lionsgate For Reboot Of ‘Saw’ Starring Samuel L. Jackson

Chris Rock is preparing a new ‘Saw’ reboot! Samuel L. Jackson will star in the ‘Saw’ re-imagining with Rock, according to a report Variety.com released July 8th.

Rock came up with the story, which will be adapted by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg. Mark Burg and Oren Koules are the producers. Rock will executive produce as well, with original ’Saw’ creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell.

“When Chris Rock came to us and described in chilling detail his fantastic vision that re-imagines 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,” said Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group chairman Joe Drake.

In the film, Rock will play a “police detective investigating a series of grizzly crimes.” Jackson will play his father.

The first franchise, which had eight films from 2004 to 2017, follows a serial killer named Jigsaw and his followers. It is one of the most successful franchises of all-time, grossing $976 million at the worldwide box office.

“We think Samuel L. Jackson and Chris Rock make this film completely special in the ‘Saw’ canon and we can’t wait to unleash this unexpected and sinister new story on fans of this franchise. This is the next level of ‘Saw’ on full tilt,” said Drake.

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.”

“Chris wants to put his own spin on the ‘Saw’ franchise in the way Eddie Murphy put a completely fresh perspective on buddy-cop films with 48 Hours. This new ‘Saw’ is going to be an event film in the making for horror fans. It will have all of the twists and turns and hardcore layers that our fans expect directed by one of the masters of the craft, Darren Lynn Bousman. We can’t wait to get started,” said Burg and Koules.

The film already has an October 23, 2020 release date.