The Success of Saw X: A Love Letter to the Fans

The Return of Familiar Faces

Released in theaters on September 29, 2023, Saw X is the latest movie in the horror franchise and serves as a prequel to Saw II. Tobin Bell reprises his role as John Kramer with Shawnee Smith and Costas Mandylor also making their grand returns as Amanda Young and Detective Hoffman. In addition to bringing back familiar faces, Saw X introduced new cast members such as Synn\u00f8ve Macody Lund, Steven Brand, Renata Vaca, Joshua Okamoto, Octavio Hinojosa, and Paulette Hernandez.

Saw X Cecilia

The new installment recently passed a major milestone at the global box office and has been well-received by critics and viewers alike. Although Saw X is directed by Kevin Greutert, Darren Lynn Bousman served as the director of Saw II, Saw III, Saw IV, and the Chris Rock-led spinoff, Spiral: From the Book of Saw.

Paulette Hernandez screaming in Saw X

The Success and Nostalgia of Saw X

As stated by Bousman, Saw X's success largely came from the decision to listen to long-time fans and return to the franchise's roots. Billy the Puppet has become one of the most discernible aspects of the films, with his sinister appearance and childlike tricycle creating a disturbingly perfect juxtaposition. Saw X showcases Billy in all his glory by allowing him to bike in and personally face Jigsaw's new victims, rather than communicating with them through a pre-recorded video message.

Billy the puppet with a tape recorder in Saw X

Additionally, Amanda Young became a fan-favorite character during the first three Saw films due to her surprising reaction to the reverse bear trap. While it would be natural to resent Kramer for his cruel torture methods, Amanda idolized him for helping her get clean. The bond that formed between them is established in Saw III, but Saw X hones in on their relationship and emphasizes Kramer's fatherly affection for his prot\u00e9g\u00e9e. As a further nod to audience members, the post-credits sequence even features a team-up between Kramer and Detective Hoffman, who had been working behind the scenes for Jigsaw since the early films.

Isan Beomhyun Lee in the Eyeball Trap in Saw X

Looking to the Future: Saw XI and Beyond

The film's nostalgic elements, stellar cast, and focus on Kramer turned Saw X into the movie that loyal viewers have been craving. Lionsgate has already confirmed an eleventh film, which is set to arrive in theaters September 27, 2024. The success of Saw XI will likely depend on where it takes place in the timeline, as the latest installment proves that Kramer is the heart and soul of the franchise. While it could easily serve as another prequel, it's also possible that a new film will pick up long after Kramer's death.

Octavio Hinojosa as Mateo Shedding a Tear with His Head in a Trap in Saw X