The Chris Rock-helmed revitalization of the Saw franchise will reportedly star Marvel Cinematic Universe veteran Samuel L. Jackson. Bloody Disgusting broke the news and subsequently confirmed that Jackson will star alongside Rock in the latest entry to the Saw series.
Earlier reports indicated Rock would relaunch the horror franchise. The comedian and actor initially approached Lionsgate Films, the company that produces the series. Motion Picture Group Chairman Joe Drake has said the company is "all-in" in an official statement.
Rock was assumed to star in the new film. Recent photos from the filming location also showed Jackson on set, sparking rumors he would star alongside Rock, which was later confirmed to be the case. There is no word on the story of the new film or on the roles Rock and Jackson will play, but the ninth installment of the series might well revitalize the flagging franchise with this kind of star power.
The original Saw debuted in 2004 and led to a franchise that has pulled in over $1 billion globally. James Wan, creator of the series, has gone on to produce The Conjuring franchise, as well as DC Comics' successful Aquaman adaptation. The new film will be directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, who previously helmed the second to fourth entries in the series. Filming is slated to begin this week, with the film scheduled to hit theaters Octover 23, 2020.
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