Created by James Wan and Leigh Whannell, Saw is one of the most well-known horror franchises worldwide. Following its release in 2004, the first installment captivated audiences with its simple but chilling premise. The story centers on a mastermind by the name of John Kramer (Tobin Bell), better known as "The Jigsaw Killer" or just "Jigsaw." Prompted by his incurable brain tumor, Kramer designs a game that captures individuals and puts them through horrific obstacles. The goal of his game is to challenge a player's endurance and, more importantly, their will to live. While Kramer is the true villain of Saw, a creepy, clown-like doll has also become synonymous with the franchise -- "Billy the Puppet."
In place of Kramer, Billy will emerge, in person or on a screen, to taunt and explain the rules to those held captive. Although a player's encounter with Billy is often very brief, they are always memorable. Complete with bright red eyes and a sinister laugh, it's no wonder Billy has become a famous movie mascot. Even so, the puppet's origin and tragic connection to the series' antagonist remain lesser-known.
Several characters in the Saw franchise pop up in a handful of the movies, a prime example being Amanda Young (Shawnee Smith). Once thought to be a fellow victim, it's later revealed she now works alongside Kramer. During Saw III, a flashback places Kramer in a dimly lit room, prepping Billy for Young's game by carefully painting the puppet's face. While this is the first time the series alludes to Kramer creating Billy, it isn't until the following film that the doll's origin is explicitly told.
By depicting events leading up to a life of immoral behavior, Saw IV gives Kramer a bit of backstory. For instance, through the use of flashbacks, viewers are shown that Billy's first construction was far less frightening. In contrast to present-day Billy, this version of the puppet was a gift intended for Kramer's wife, Jill Tuck (Betsy Russell), and their unborn child.
After Jill suffers an accident, which ends in a miscarriage, the couple grows increasingly distant from one another and eventually file for divorce. As a result, Kramer becomes secluded, fixated on tinkering alone in his workshop, where he develops a harmful bond with the puppet he never had the chance to give to his son. Although this revelation isn't an excuse for future behavior, it does provide a bit of context behind the character's evil actions.
In Saw III, it's implied that Kramer has died, and in Saw IV, his death becomes solidified. Even still, Saw’s fifth installment casts doubt by making it seem as though the mastermind is alive and controlling Billy. However, through further use of flashbacks, it's confirmed that Mark Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) previously acted as Kramer's apprentice and has been in charge of the puppet for the duration of Saw V.
In the end, Billy is the symbol of someone's heartbreak. He represents a man unable to cope with his reality, ultimately having emotional instability take over his life. The puppet is a physical representation of how one man's unhealthy grief can be taken out on others in a shockingly gruesome way.