The Sinister Transformation of Jigsaw: Unveiling the Horrifying Evolution in Saw X

Summary

Director Kevin Greutert reveals that Saw X will present Jigsaw in a new light, framing him as the "hero" of the movie.

Saw X will delve into the humanity of John Kramer, shifting the focus from his alter ego Jigsaw and delving deeper into his own fears and personal journey. Positioned chronologically between the first two films and with Jigsaw taking the lead role, this installment will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future direction of the franchise.

Director Kevin Greutert, responsible for nearly two decades of deaths on screen, sheds light on how Saw X will present Jigsaw in a fresh perspective for viewers. Greutert, returning to the franchise after a six-year break, previously served as the editor for the first five Saw movies, directed the sixth and seventh installments, and worked as an editor on the 2017 revival, Jigsaw. Accompanying him is Tobin Bell, who was notably absent from 2021's Spiral, reprising his role as John Kramer, the mastermind who concocts his most personal game yet to seek revenge on a group of con artists who deceived him into believing they had cured his cancer.

During a panel discussion at the 2023 Midsummer Scream Convention, attended by The Direct, Kevin Greutert delved into the new setting and highlighted the increased focus on Jigsaw in Saw X. The director revealed that Tobin Bell's renowned serial killer will now be portrayed as the "hero" of this new horror sequel, allowing audiences to witness a previously unseen side of John Kramer. Read on to discover what Greutert shared below.

John is the definite protagonist of this movie. He is an ailing man who is desperate to prolong his life. As he delves into this pursuit, things take a turn for the worse. But make no mistake, he is undoubtedly the hero of this film. He plays a prominent role… I haven't done the calculations, but he likely has more screen time than the past six or seven movies combined. This movie revolves around him... It tells the story of John Kramer as a human, not just as Jigsaw--we will get to that point, I assure you. It delves into his fears and the challenges he faces in his life at that time.

Editor's Note: This content was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. It must be acknowledged that this movie would not have been possible without the hard work and contributions of the writers and actors from both unions.

Why Saw X Is The Franchise's Most Important Movie

Following Jigsaw's revelation that Logan, played by Matt Passmore, was the killer's first apprentice, it appeared that Jigsaw's tenure in the Saw series had finally reached its end. The movie Spiral, led by Chris Rock, delved into how Jigsaw's legacy had inspired more murderers in the world. Despite the cliffhanger ending of Spiral, which introduced a new serial killer and forged a new path for the future, the announcement of Bell's return in Saw X garnered mixed reactions from franchise fans. Some anticipated a convoluted explanation for his comeback, while others embraced the decision.

With the confirmation that Saw X will take place between the first two films, similar to Jigsaw's status as both a prequel and sequel to the previous seven movies, it has become a highly significant installment in the franchise. The success of expanding Jigsaw's story within this between-movie setting will determine its effectiveness with audiences and at the box office. If it proves successful, future sequels may follow a similar path. Additionally, Spiral's struggles at the box office following its release during the COVID pandemic necessitates that the tenth movie performs well for any chance of future installments.

Saw X stands out as one of the franchise's most significant films due to its portrayal of Jigsaw as the protagonist, unlike previous installments where he was seen as the villainous overseer or featured in flashbacks explaining his motives. This shift in perspective challenges the perception of Jigsaw as a purely villainous character, as he never directly kills his victims and typically targets individuals involved in immoral activities. If Greutert and his team can effectively create a sympathetic portrayal of Jigsaw in Saw X, it would pave the way for an intriguing new direction for the franchise.