Saw X’ Director Promises A Revolutionary Installment With Tobin Bell As The Key To Success

In the realm of cinematic terror, where blood-soaked ingenuity competes with nerve-wracking suspense, the Saw franchise stands as an undisputed monument. Now, as we eagerly await the arrival of the tenth installment, Saw X, in just a matter of weeks, director and seasoned franchise contributor Kevin Greutert unveils a groundbreaking approach that promises to redefine horror storytelling. At the heart of this revolutionary shift lies the return of Tobin Bell’s indelible character, John Kramer, the Jigsaw Killer.

Resurrecting the Mastermind: A Journey Back in Time

Saw X resuscitates the captivating tale of John Kramer, a.k.a. Jigsaw, the enigmatic orchestrator of life-altering games that challenge the human spirit. In a candid conversation within the pages of Empire’s compelling Horror Preview, Kevin Greutert discloses the essence of this latest installment. Despite the creative contortions the franchise has undergone since John Kramer’s apparent demise after Saw III, Saw X thrusts us back into the past, bridging the gap between Saw I and Saw II. This narrative feat allows the film to delve deep into a crucial juncture when Kramer sought salvation from terminal cancer through an experimental procedure in Mexico. Greutert emphasizes, “Kramer is the centre of the story.”

The film ventures where its predecessors hesitated: it prominently features Tobin Bell’s Jigsaw character. Greutert proudly declares that Saw X will unveil John Kramer “more than in any other Saw.” This bold artistic choice echoes throughout the production, enhancing the film’s allure.

A Return to the Roots: Grit and Authenticity

Saw X rejuvenates the franchise’s roots, reverting to a raw, gritty tone that catapulted the original Saw into cinematic legend. Greutert articulates this pivot, revealing that this installment reverts to a more grounded atmosphere, though not as stark as the simplicity of Saw I. The aim is to instill a sense that the intricate death traps designed by the ingenious engineer, John Kramer, possess a real-world feasibility. Greutert elaborates, “The more that the audience can get the sense that a smart engineer – which he is – could figure out what to do with these parts and make it work, the better.”

This reimagined perspective isn’t confined to the mechanics of the traps. The film departs from the established norm, shifting its focus from the victims’ harrowing experiences to the psyche and experiences of John Kramer himself. As Greutert poignantly phrases it, Saw X embarks on an “emotional journey that you go on with John Kramer, and less a slaughterhouse that you experience from the point of view of the victims.” This dynamic alteration invites a broader audience, extending its appeal beyond dedicated gore enthusiasts.

A Blood-Drenched Promise

While embracing an emotionally charged narrative, Saw X never forsakes its visceral roots, ensuring that fans craving the franchise’s hallmark gore and suspense won’t be left wanting. The return of Tobin Bell’s iconic character, John Kramer, not only commemorates the franchise’s legacy but also propels it into uncharted territory, promising an intoxicating blend of heart and horror. This September 29, prepare to bear witness to a film that defies conventions and leaves an indelible mark on the annals of cinematic terror.

Read Empire’s complete feature on Saw X in the Dune: Part Two issue, a cornerstone of our expansive Horror Preview, alongside The Exorcist: Believer and Five Nights At Freddy’s, available on newsstands from August 31. Secure your copy of Cover 1 or Cover 2, or join the ranks of Empire members for exclusive access to the digital edition upon launch day. Brace yourselves, as Saw X descends upon UK cinemas from September 29.

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