Monday, November 9

• Tobin Bell Talks 3-D in Saw VII

  Pre-production on Saw VII has already begun ... so despite the poor box office for Saw VI, the Saw series is far from over. Saw VII will look to revitalize the franchise, at least financially, with the series stepping into 3-D territory for the first time. Tobin Bell spoke to Fearnet about what it will be like to bring Jigsaw to the third dimension.

  It will be an interesting experience. I'll be doing the same thing. Possibly doing it differently, like saying, "Reach out this way!" But I am going to be doing exactly what I always do. I am more concerned with the quality of the drama than I am in the special effects, I'll leave that to someone else. That's not my job. I'll be watching with interest and listening for good counsel from the 3-D techs, who I'm sure will be lingering around me. And I'll be saying, get away from me!

  Saw VII is scheduled to open in October of next year. David Hackl will direct from a script by Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton.

  
  

  Posted 11/09/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Tobin Bell | Saw VII | Saw VI

Sunday, October 25

• Will Jigsaw Direct Saw VIII?

  Saw III, IV, and V director David Hackl is in pre-production for Saw VII, but right now Saw VIII is resting in the planning stage with no director. Tobin Bell, Jigsaw himself, says that he may take the director's chair if it is offered.

  They asked me about that, I don't know quite how sincerely. I told them it was way too much work. Directors are there forever. Actors, they come in, they do their scene, but directors.... Then when they get a break, that's the time for everybody to descend on them and say, "Oh, I'm glad you're free for a moment because we've got a major problem in costume." I appreciate my down time. I'm being a little tongue in cheek about that. The truth is that I really do want to direct one of these sometime. I'm just waiting for them to come to me again. I have a better answer this time. Like yes.

  If they don't approach Bell to direct Saw VIII, he may not get another chance, since producer Mark Burg says Saw VIII may be the last Saw sequel.

  
  

  Posted 10/25/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Tobin Bell | David Hackl | Saw VII | Saw VIII

Tuesday, October 13

• Two Saw VI Spots Show Jigsaw Among Us

  Two new TV spots for Saw VI show a very alive Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) proclaiming, "I am still among you." Whether Jigsaw will continue merely in flashback or be brought back to life in a way that ignores the lessons of other horror movie sequels will be revealed October 23. Watch both spots below:

  Can't get enough Saw? Match your wits against Jigsaw and put yourself in a trap here.

  
  
  Next Showing: Saw VI opens October 23

  Posted 10/13/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Tobin Bell | Saw VI

Sunday, October 11

• New Saw VI Featurette: All Jigsaw, All the Time

  After dying in Saw III, how will Jigsaw be significant in Saw VI? Tobin Bell describes Jigsaw's role in the upcoming sequel in a new featurette found on MySpace that includes new footage not found in the trailers. Check it out below.

  
  
  Next Showing: Saw VI opens October 23

  Posted 10/11/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Tobin Bell | Saw III | Saw VI

Tuesday, September 29

• More Saw VI Images Flood the Internet

  OfficialSAW.com unleashed a new photo of the upcoming Saw VI, revealing yet another torturous and bloody sneak peek. There's more where that came from, however.

  Fans over at the Saw Facebook page have been given even more gory images, including Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) with a bloodied body that could be Special Agent Strahm's, Tanedra Howard caught in a trap, another photo of Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), and many more.

  Saw fans looking for more than just images can head over to Liongate's Saw VI video mosaic where TV spots, clips, and other fan videos are displayed. Fans are encouraged to "become part of the Saw VI video mosaic and help spread Jigsaw's message." New videos are rotated into the mosaic regularly.

  
  
  Next Showing: Saw VI opens October 23

  Posted 09/29/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Costas Mandylor | Tobin Bell | Saw VI

Thursday, September 24

• New Saw VI Images

  Finally, sneak peeks of Saw VI are flooding the Internet. The first group of photos included a look at a very alive Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) and new character William Easton (Peter Outerbridge), while the second group of photos released shows Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor), the heir to Jigsaw's legacy, loading a trap and a shot of Hoffman with Jigsaw's ex-wife Jill (Betsy Russell).

  While the Hoffman-Jill photo is fairly unrevealing, Russell told Bloody-Disgusting earlier in the year that Saw fans will learn a lot about her character in Saw VI:

  You find out a little more about if Jill is good or evil. Pretty much you'll know. I don't know if it was ever answered in the previous ones if I knew he was a killer. We will find out in this one that I do know that about him. We have an amazing love affair and I have a reason to be with him. She is definitely in the present main plot, as well as, flashbacks with more backstory to answer more questions.

  Whether Jill's story will answer all the unanswered questions of the Saw franchise is unknown, though Saw VI co-screenwriter Patrick Melton claims that the series should feel resolved after Saw VI, even with Saw VII entering pre-production.

  
  
  Next Showing: Saw VI opens October 23

  Posted 09/24/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Betsy Russell | Costas Mandylor | Tobin Bell | Saw VI

Tuesday, July 28

• Screenwriters Say Resolution Coming in Saw VI

  

  Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton, the screenwriters for Saw IV, Saw V, and the upcoming Saw VI, spoke to ShockTilYouDrop about the project at San Diego Comic-Con and, despite the fact that a sequel has already been announced, Melton claims Saw VI will feel resolved:

  Part four was too confusing, part five wasn't confusing enough and this one hits the mark right in the middle. We have a really good 'A' story which makes all of the Tobin Bell flashbacks feel organic and not forced. There's good pacing and finally there's a resolution. Finally. Six could be done and that's it, there could be no more. In terms of the John Kramer storyline, we put a nice bow on it. It's fulfilling for people, I think.

  Melton and Dunstan will be back to write Saw VII with David Hackl, who helmed Saw V, returning to direct. While details on Saw VII are minimal at this point, Dunstan says that VI will tackle some contemporary issues:

  It's also timely. There are a couple of elements to the story that take advantage of our current climate.

  If the latest "Wheel of Death" clip is evidence, Dunstan and Melton have certainly gone political. WARNING: This clip is not appropriate for work, so if you're not at home enjoy this new teaser trailer instead:

  
  
  Next Showing: Saw VI opens October 23

  Posted 07/28/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Marcus Dunstan | Tobin Bell | Patrick Melton | Saw V | Saw IV | Saw VI | Saw VII

Wednesday, July 22

• Saw VI Gets a New Poster, Keeps Its Writers for the Sequel

  A new "motion" poster has arrived online for the latest sequel in Liongate's Saw franchise, just in time for the news of Saw VII's writing team.

  Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton — the screenwriters behind not only the upcoming Saw VI, but Saw IV and V as well — will return to write Saw VII. The franchise is supposedly set to continue for a total of nine movies, not eight as Tobin Bell speculated.

  Dunstan could direct the next Saw, after helming the upcoming horror thriller The Collector, which he and Melton wrote.

  Saw VI creeps into theaters on October 23. It was directed by Kevin Gruetert, who was previously an editor on the series.

  
  

  Posted 07/22/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Marcus Dunstan | Tobin Bell | Patrick Melton | Kevin Greutert | Saw IV | Saw V | The Collector | Saw VII | Saw VI

Tuesday, June 9

• Saw VI Finished, Saw VII and VIII Planned

  Production has wrapped on Saw VI, which kicks off the editing process on a movie that director Kevin Greutert called "mind-numbingly complex" on his blog. Greutert is pretty confident that the public will like the sixth installment of the series:

  I can’t wait for people to see the movie. I think it stands shoulder to shoulder with the best of the Saws, and while I’m the least objective person imaginable when it comes to this, I think we’ve all done something really special.

  Greutert isn't the only one pleased with his work. Saw star Tobin Bell, Jigsaw himself, feels that the series will continue to part VIII and perhaps beyond:

  Six is finished and we’re just in the middle of talking about [seven]. I look forward to filling out the other pieces of the puzzle. There’s some pieces that people still haven’t seen.

  As for whether Saw VIII will be the last in the series, Bell isn't so sure:

  Final is a relative word. Especially in entertainment. If there’s more good story to tell, it’s good to have more opportunities to tell it.

  With the horror series also branching into video games, it seems like the Saw series will likely be around for a long, long time.

  
  
  Next Showing: Saw VI opens October 23

  Posted 06/09/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Tobin Bell | Kevin Greutert | Saw | Saw VIII | Saw VII | Saw VI

Monday, March 23

• Saw VI News

  The horror series that refuses to die offered some news about its latest installment. Series producer Mark Burg reports on the official SAW website:

  Shawnee Smith (Amanda) is in Saw VI. There are several new characters. Also, this movie is a lot more violent than the previous V. Lastly, we have traps that pit victims against each other like the opening of Saw V. Could be the best script yet!

  Considering Smith's involvement in Saw I through V, it's likely she'll appear in the inevitable Saw XII in 2015.

  The fifth sequel starts shooting in Toronto on March 30th, with Saw regulars Tobin Bell and Costas Mandylor returning, and VH1's Scream Queens winner, Tanedra Howard, making her debut.

  
  

  Posted 03/23/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Mark Burg | Shawnee Smith | Costas Mandylor | Tobin Bell | Saw VI

Wednesday, October 22

• Saw VI in Question?

  After four straight successes for the Saw franchise and a fifth seemingly in the bag, some surprising reports are emerging that Saw VI may be delayed, or might not even happen. These reports contradict other Saw news.

  In an interview with Screens and Tech, Tobin Bell says he "wouldn't be surprised if it went further" before adding "if the fans want more, it means there's a market for more."

  Other online reports have indicated that a Saw VI and VII were already greenlit and in pre-production, although producers were reluctant to offer confirmation at the recent round of press tours for Saw V.

  Saw IV's box office take was down slightly from Saw III, but considering the average budget on III, IV, and V was in the meager $10 million range, ending the franchise would make little sense financially.

  One final indicator that would seem to contradict emerging reports: The new VH1 reality show Scream Queens, co-hosted by Saw star Shawnee Smith, has contestants competing for the grand prize of a part in Saw VI.

  
  
  Next Showing: Saw V opens in theaters nationwide this Friday, October 24

  Posted 10/22/2008 by reelz

  Related: Shawnee Smith | Tobin Bell | Saw VI | Saw V | Saw IV | Saw III | Saw II | Saw

Thursday, May 15

• Saw V Plot Details Revealed (Yes, Jigsaw is Still Dead)

  In what has now become an annual event for horror movie fans, the indomitable Saw franchise will unveil its fifth chapter in October, with a host of grisly new traps awaiting the victims of Hoffman (Costas Mandylor), the devious protégé of deceased Saw villain Jigsaw. The latest installment has Hoffman scrambling to close loose ends (i.e., kill a lot of people) when the secret of Jigsaw's torturous ways is on the verge of being exposed.

  Thankfully, Saw V looks to be a bit less perplexing than its predecessors, which constantly jumped around the story's narrative timeline in an effort to keep fans guessing. "This film is far less confusing and more linear, and there are TWO great twists," Saw V producer Marc Berg told horror fansite Bloody-Disgusting yesterday. "Just when you thought you figured it out, we twist again. We bring in some new characters that you really get to know... we bring in some peripheral characters that play out in Saw VI - the people that you think will live… not a chance!"

  Source: Bloody-Disgusting

  
  
  Next Showing: Saw V opens October 24, 2008

  Posted 05/15/2008 by reelz

  Related: Costas Mandylor | Tobin Bell | Saw V

Saturday, October 27

• Return of the living dead (characters)

  You just can't keep a good horror villain down. When we last glimpsed Saw's fiendishly sadistic bad guy Jigsaw, at the end of the popular horror series' third installment, he was lying in a pool of blood -- unquestionably, irrefutably, undeniably dead. Deader than the Rockies' chances of winning the World Series.

  And yet, not only does Jigsaw return to his torturous ways in Saw IV, star Tobin Bell is signed on to reprise his signature role in two additional installments of the lucrative franchise.

  While slasher flicks are notorious for resurrecting dead characters, the dubious practice is surprisingly common in other genres as well. Check out our list of eight of the lamest excuses for bringing deceased characters back from the dead. 

  
  

  Posted 10/27/2007 by reelz

  Related: Tobin Bell | Saw IV | Saw III

Sunday, September 2

• Jigsaw (probably) back in Saw IV   

  A teaser trailer for Saw IV has surfaced over on Yahoo! along with a series of new posters which seem to indicate that Tobin Bell's Jigsaw does indeed make some sort of an appearance in the new film.

  The teaser doesn't show a whole lot, more of a gear-up tease for the fans. Still, for those who love torture porn, I'm sure it will get the blood flowing.

  Our own Tom Leupp took in a cocktail mixer with the Saw IV crew a few months back, which you can check out right here.

  
  
  Next Showing: Saw IV hits theaters on October 26th.

  Posted 09/02/2007 by reelz

  Related: Tobin Bell | Saw IV

Thursday, June 21

• Exclusive First Image From Saw IV!!!

  Details on the hotly anticipated Saw IV are slowly trickling in.

  Our own Thomas Leupp attended a cocktail mixer last week with director Darren Lynn Bousman and Jigsaw himself, Tobin Bell, last week. You can read about that right here.

  Today, we have another special treat as Lions Gate has sent attendees of that event a special exclusive first image from Saw IV.

  Click here to check it out!

  
  

  Posted 06/21/2007 by reelz

  Related: Tobin Bell | Darren Lynn Bousman | Saw IV

Thursday, June 14

• The Return of Jigsaw

  When we last left Jigsaw, the horror genre's preeminent villain was lying in a pool of blood, his throat slashed from ear to ear during the closing moments of Saw III.

  But good horror villains rarely stay dead for long, and Jigsaw is set to resume his fiendishly sadistic ways this October in Saw IV. The question is, how exactly do the filmmakers plan to resurrect him? The web is awash with rumor and speculation from the Saw faithful.

  At a Tuesday press mixer to celebrate the completion of principal photography on their latest blood-soaked epic, Saw IV star Tobin Bell, director Darren Lynn Bousman and producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules coyly avoided spilling any details regarding Jigsaw's return. They did, however, assure us that Jigsaw does not have a twin brother. Nor is he a ghost or some other supernatural entity. And no, Saw IV will not be a prequel. And though I forgot to ask whether Jigsaw had somehow been cloned, I'm fairly certain that's not the case either.

  Check back with us in a few weeks for a more detailed rundown of Tuesday's event. In the meantime, email me your own Jigsaw conspiracy theories at tleupp@reelzchannel.com.

  
  

  Posted 06/14/2007 by reelz

  Related: Tobin Bell | Saw IV | Saw III