Funnyman Chris Rock is taking a stab at the dark world of horror films in his latest venture. Alongside Lionsgate, the award-winning comedian plans to reboot the 2004 Saw franchise, Deadline reports. “I’ve been a fan of Saw since the first film in 2004,” Rock said. “I am excited by the opportunity to take this to a really intense and twisted new place.”
Rock wrote the screenplay for the forthcoming film and will work with Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, who adapted the script for the silver screen. The legendary comedian will also executive produce the film with Lionsgate.
The film giant is excited to bring Rock on board and help execute his vision into a stellar movie. “When Chris Rock came to us and described in chilling detail his fantastic vision that reimagines and spins-off the world of the notorious Jigsaw Killer, we were all-in,” Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group chairman Joe Drake said. “Saw is one of the highest grossing horror franchises of all-time and it’s one of Lionsgate’s most successful film series.”
“This upcoming film will still be as mind-bending and intense as all the previous Saw films,” he continued. “Chris conceived this idea and it will be completely reverential to the legacy of the material while reinvigorating the brand with his wit, creative vision, and passion for this classic horror franchise.”
The new Saw is set to hit theaters on October 23, 2020.
