Saw X Producers Spill Controversial Details on Jigsaw's Shocking Saw 3 Demise

Summary

Saw X executive producers reflect on the decision to kill off Jigsaw in Saw III, admitting that it was a mistake.

Despite John Kramer's death in the third movie, he remains a prominent element in the franchise and has featured in nearly every subsequent installment, primarily through flashbacks. This approach has somewhat contributed to the overall confusion of the narrative. Saw X is set between the occurrences of Saw II and Saw III, yet it is generally advisable to watch the movies in the order of their release for the best viewing experience.

Mark Burg and Oren Koules, longtime executive producers of the Saw franchise, openly discuss their choice to eliminate the character Jigsaw in Saw III. The third installment, released in 2006, showcases Tobin Bell's portrayal of John Kramer, also known as Jigsaw, who devises more lethal traps and even abducts a doctor to prolong his own life. Jigsaw ultimately succumbs to his cancer in the movie, but remarkably continues to make appearances in nearly every subsequent film through various means.

As Saw X makes its way to the big screen, Burg and Koules reflect on their decision to kill off Jigsaw in Saw III during a recent interview with IndieWire. If they had foreseen the franchise's longevity, it seems they may have approached the character's fate differently. Read Burg's complete statement below:

“If I had to do it again, I might not have killed Tobin Bell in ‘Saw III’. That might have been a mistake.”

Saw Franchise Timeline Explained

Despite his definitive death in the third movie, Jigsaw remains a recurring character throughout the franchise. Flashbacks featuring him are a common occurrence in the sequels, which can make the timeline of the Saw franchise a bit perplexing. It is generally recommended to watch the movies in the order of their release, although the frequent flashbacks can make things confusing, allowing for some flexibility in viewing.

The events of 2017's Jigsaw, which takes place approximately 10 years after Saw III, include several sequences that occur prior to the first Saw film. This positioning allows for the possibility of considering it as the first in the timeline. Next in line are the original Saw in 2004 and Saw II in 2005. Saw X occurs between the second and third films, following John's journey as he seeks treatment for his terminal cancer. Unfortunately, he becomes a victim of a medical scam in Mexico, prompting him to enact his brutal form of revenge against those who wronged him.

Following this, Saw III (2006) and Saw IV (2007) take place simultaneously. Then, Saw V (2008), Saw VI (2009), the somewhat confusingly titled Saw 3D: The Final Chapter (2010), and finally Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021) follow, all featuring flashbacks to events that transpire between previous films. Given the positive reception of the latest installment, speculation about another film featuring John Kramer's return remains open, yet the timeline for such a movie remains uncertain.

Source: IndieWire