Jigsaw

JIGSAW | The noughties’ biggest horror franchise re-opens its trap(s)…

So The Final Chapter was a total lie, then?

It’s been seven years since we last saw a Saw movie. Which seems like an eternity when you consider that between 2004 (the original Saw) and 2010 (Saw 3D), the horror saga pumped out a new episode annually (on Halloween, natch). “Not to take anything away from those films,” says director Peter Spierig diplomatically, “but they had a year between each one to come up with a story and get it made.” But with Jigsaw – co-helmed with Peter’s partner and identical twin Michael – time’s been taken piecing the series back together. “[Lionsgate] could’ve done another film five years ago, but they didn’t; they worked on it,” continues Peter.

Though working for the first time as directors-for-hire – following the selfscripted likes of Daybreakers (2009) and Predestination (2014) – the bros are keen to “do something a little different… we want it to be our own kind of thing”. They won’t use the r-word, mind. “It’s not a reboot,” states Michael, “because there’s still a continuing story. We haven’t ignored what’s happened in the past. It’s set 10 years after Jigsaw’s death and there are a lot of new faces in the film.”

Plus one old voice: Jigsaw himself, Tobin Bell, who delivers a vocal performance from beyond his character’s grave. “We had a wonderful time with him,” says Michael.

“He really cares about the character; he had a lot of thoughts, a lot of notes about staying true to Jigsaw’s philosophy.”

As for the series-defining traps, viewers can expect “a broad spectrum of stuff… some quite elaborate, some very, very simple,” reveals Peter. “We’ve also got some completely new environments,” adds Michael. “[From the start] we wanted this movie to feel and look different. What’s the point of doing another one if we’re just doing basements and grungy green? It’s time to move on from that.”

ETA | 26 OCTOBER / JIGSAW OPENS NEXT MONTH.