Chris Rock has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the greatest comedians of all-time. But instead of taking his usual comedic route for his latest project, the Top 5 actor is trying his hand at the horror genre.
Rock is teaming with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures for a reboot of the highly successful Saw film franchise. The comedian has written a story that is being adapted by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, and Rock also will executive produce. Lionsgate has dated the film for release on October 23, 2020
Deadline has reported that 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.
“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,” said Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group chairman Joe Drake. “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 Rock: “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.”
Producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules added: “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.”
