Unraveling the Mysterious Placement of Saw X within the Epic Franchise Timeline

Highlights

The Saw franchise is often dismissed as "torture porn" by non-fans, but hardcore fans appreciate its hilariously complex storyline.

Saw X is a direct sequel to the original 2004 film, taking place between the events of Saw and Saw II. It delves into the earlier days of John Kramer, also known as the Jigsaw Killer, as he seeks vengeance. Tobin Bell reprises his role as John Kramer in Saw X, making it a crucial installment that delves into the past endeavors of this iconic killer, rather than introducing a new character.

Few horror franchises have had the same cultural impact as Saw. The first movie, made with minimal budget and only one recognizable star, had a killer premise that made it a phenomenon. However, as the sequels came along, the series veered into chaotic unpredictability, with varying levels of quality. As the tenth installment prepares to hit theaters this fall, devoted fans will once again navigate the increasingly complex storyline, expecting yet another unexpected twist.

Non-fans often dismiss the Saw franchise as meaningless "torture porn" designed solely to satisfy the morbid cravings of gore enthusiasts. They believe that the narrative takes a backseat to the graphic scenes reminiscent of Mortal Kombat fatalities. However, for the die-hard fans, it is the hilariously intricate storyline that keeps them hooked. With each new entry, the narrative gains more layers, adding to the enjoyment of the dedicated audience.

When is Saw X set?

Saw X is a direct sequel to the original 2004 film and is set between the events of Saw and Saw II. The story takes place around 2004 and unveils the events that occurred before and between those two films through flashbacks. The film follows John Kramer, also known as Jigsaw, as he seeks an experimental cancer treatment in Mexico. However, he soon realizes that the treatment is a fraudulent scheme targeting terminally ill patients and decides to take revenge using his signature methods.

At this point in time, Kramer has already been a serial killer for a while. His pregnant wife was accidentally wounded by an addict while he was attempting to rob a clinic at knifepoint, leading to the miscarriage of their child. Kramer receives a terminal cancer diagnosis partly due to a doctor's negligence in mislabeling his medical record. Additionally, his insurance company denies all his claims for unjustifiable reasons. These circumstances push him towards suicide and ultimately drive him to create his intricate traps. Throughout the Saw sequels, there have been hints of John Kramer returning from his on-screen death in Saw III. However, Saw X takes a different approach by showcasing an unseen adventure from his earlier days.

How will it affect the franchise timeline?

Several apprentices and copycat killers are involved in conducting the Jigsaw Murders alongside John Kramer. Saw X will feature many of these allies during the events. Logan Nelson, the doctor who mistakenly labeled Kramer's brain scan causing a late-stage diagnosis, was one of the initial victims of Jigsaw. After surviving his own trap, he became an accomplice and devised the famous reverse bear trap test. Amanda Young, a vulnerable heroin addict who was present during Kramer's wife's miscarriage, joined the Jigsaw team after surviving her own bear trap ordeal. Detective Mark Hoffman, who tried to cover up a murder by making it appear like a Jigsaw killing, was recruited by Kramer prior to the events of Saw. Moreover, Dr. Lawrence Gordon joined Kramer's cause following his survival in the original film.

Prior to the events of Saw, at least four individuals collaborated to execute the Jigsaw Murders. Logan assisted in trapping Amanda, and Amanda, in turn, helped trap Dr. Gordon. Over time, Jigsaw became an alias for this small team, where trust was scarce and individuals would occasionally betray one another or act alone. Shawnee Smith, the actress who portrayed Amanda Young, will make a comeback in Saw X, marking her return to the franchise after her last appearance in the sixth installment. There is no information regarding whether the actors playing Hoffman or Gordon will join the upcoming film. Shifting the setting to Mexico could serve as a means to distance John Kramer from the actions of his accomplices. This new location could be completely detached from the events of the previous nine movies, allowing John to return to the United States to secure Donnie Wahlberg's son's safety just in time.

Will Tobin Bell return to the role?

Tobin Bell, who portrayed John Kramer, will be reprising his role in Saw X. His absence was only felt in the franchise's 2021 installment, Spiral. John Kramer's demise occurred in Saw III, but Tobin Bell has returned for subsequent entries in flashback sequences. Bell was instrumental in the success of the first film, becoming an instant horror legend as he solidified the concept. Over time, the focus of the Saw franchise shifted from the victims to the killer, with Saw X poised to take this idea to its pinnacle.

John Kramer is undeniably one of the most iconic horror villains, and his demise in Saw was a significant loss. However, due to his terminal illness, the franchise had limited options. Fans can now rejoice as Tobin Bell once again takes the lead after a six-year hiatus. Saw X appears more as a spin-off than a direct sequel, but perhaps this is the wisest approach. Instead of introducing a new killer for the fifth time or relying solely on flashbacks with a distorted filter, the film opts to take John Kramer on a different journey. Saw X could be the start of several adventures that allow John Kramer to play in the past, rather than struggling to advance the intricate storyline.