1. Are you ready to play a game?

Breaking news out of Cannes as Bloody Disgusting can report that Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures will bring fans worldwide a new level of deviously treacherous traps, clever clues and suspense as they partner with award-winning actor, director, and stand up comedian Chris Rock to spin-off and expand the world surrounding the hit billion dollar SAW franchise.

We’ve also learned that the next SAW, pegged as a “re-imaging”, will be directed by none other than Darren Lynn Bousman, who helmed the first three sequels following James Wan and Leigh Whannell‘s pop culture phenomenon.

As Bloody Disgusting exclusively told you last year, the screenplay was written by Jigsaw writers Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, although we didn’t know it was – and I kid you not – based on a story conceived by Chris Rock!

“I’ve been a fan of SAW since the first film in 2004,” said Rock. “I am excited by the opportunity to take this to a really intense and twisted new place.”

We can’t help but wonder, will Rock also star?!

The next SAW will be released on October 23, 2020.

“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,” said Joe Drake, Chairman of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group. “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. 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 film will be produced by longtime SAW producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules, and executive produced by Chris Rock, long-time SAW executive producer Daniel Heffner and the original creators of SAW, James Wan and Leigh Whannell.

“Chris wants to put his own spin on the SAW franchise in the way Eddie Murphy put a completely fresh perspective on buddy-cop films with 48 Hours. This new SAW is going to be an event film in the making for horror fans. It will have all of the twists and turns and hardcore layers that our fans expect directed by one of the masters of the craft, Darren Lynn Bousman. We can’t wait to get started,” said Burg and Koules.

Watch for casting news as it comes in, which should be soon if they’re targeting an October 2020 release.