So now, with the news that Saw X is going to be released later this year, we thought we would have a little fun and look at 10 interesting facts related to the franchise. Let’s begin.

The Short That Changed Everything

The series was actually born from a short film that James Wan and Leigh Whannell made in 2003. It wowed producers Mark Burg, Greg Hoffman and Oren Koules that they decided to ask Wan and Whannell to make a feature out of the concept. The rest is horror movie history.

One of the Highest-Grossing Horror Franchises

Before the release of the supposed final film in 2010 Guinness World Records dubbed the series to be the most successful horror franchise in history. With the then 6 films earning around $733 million at the box office. While it has since been surpassed by other horror franchises the series’ overall box office today sits at just over $1 billion. Considering the total budget of every film adds up to $95 million, that means the franchise has made more than 10 times its collective budget in profit. Not bad for a bunch of small splatter films.

There Will Be Blood

While many critics view the franchise as solely exploitative torture porn the franchise did do one very good thing. Every film in the series, except for Saw 3D and Spiral, had a tie-in advertising campaign encouraging people to give blood to the Red Cross. The Halloween Blood Drive was a huge success and even helped to challenge the prejudice around LGBTQIA+ donations.

Sue-Saw

Actor Cary Elwes who plays Doctor Gordon in the original Saw filed a lawsuit in 2005 against his management company and the film’s producers over claims that he had not received all the money he was promised for starring in the film (including 1% of the producer’s profits). The suit was later settled out of court and he returned to his beloved role for the then series’ finale.

Bell and Chainsaws

Tobin Bell was a prolific character actor before the Saw series. However, according to IMDb the first industry award he was ever given was the 2006 Fangoria Chainsaw Best Villain award which he won for Saw II. Later he won the 2009 Eyegore Award for Best Villain in a Film Series and was inducted into Fangoria’s Hall of Fame in 2010. Cementing Jigsaw as the role Tobin will be best remembered for.

Leave Them Wanting Saw

Saw III currently has the longest runtime in the franchise at 108 minutes.

A Scream Queen

One of the better-regarded films in the franchise, Saw VI, has a number of memorable scenes. These include the opening trap where two predatory loaners must cut off parts of their own bodies to determine who survives. Simone, the survivor of the test, was played by Tanedra Howard, who won the role after competing in the game show Scream Queens.

Series Kill Count

According to the YouTube series Dead Meat the Franchise collectively has a body count of 104 people (including Detective Hoffman). Saw 3D had the highest number of victims at 27. While Saw and Saw V have the joint lowest with only 6 victims. 

Spiralling Out

Spiral is so far the only Saw film where Tobin Bell does not physically appear as Jigsaw. Though his photo does appear.

Unexpected Guiding Hand

Aside from James Wan another director has been credited on every entry in this series. Kevin Greutert directed Saw VI, Saw 3D and will direct Saw X. He also edited Saws 1-5 and Jigsaw and was an executive producer on Spiral. As an integral part of the series, it’s a shame he isn’t spoken of as highly as other key creatives.

Those are just some of the many intriguing facts about the series. With Saw X coming soon we will surely have even more bloody anecdotes to digest for years to come. Game over.

Also Read: The Terrifier 2, Cocaine Bear & Winne the Pooh Highlight A Changing Horror Landscape

The post Saw X: 10 Franchise Facts appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

With just over a month to go let’s have a look at some of the movies that are showing when the UK’s big screens reopen. What their stories will be and what makes them worth going to see?

Spiral: From the book of Saw (17th May)

A police veteran and two detectives investigate a series of murders that look familiar to some prior cases. Soon, however, the killer begins targeting one of them as part of a dark game.

17 years after the Saw franchise began Spiral is aiming to give the series a revival. Its cast will be led by Chris Rock playing against type in a more serious role (he also pitched the idea for the film’s story), alongside the brilliant Samuel L. Jackson. Series stalwart Darren Lynn Bousman is also returning to direct, meaning Spiral is sure to continue Saw’s energetic dark visual style. This mixture of unique style with a fresh cast and story possibilities will satisfy Saw die-hards and casual audiences alike. And the big screen will only enhance the film’s atmosphere. So horror lovers go and give Spiral a watch when cinemas reopen.

The 8th (25th May)

This documentary charts the 35-year struggle of many dedicated female activists in Ireland as they fought to change the 8^th amendment, which effectively banned abortions.

The 8^th feels particularly timely given recent news stories regarding women’s rights and safety. And from all indications, The 8^th will be full of both insight and emotional depth. As filmmakers, Aideen Kane, Lucy Kennedy, and Maeve O’Boyle, who themselves lived under the shadow of the effects of the amendment in Ireland, dive deep into the debate around the amendment. Looking at both sides but mostly focusing on those leading the charge on the pro-choice side and the ray of hope the campaign provides to the world at this moment. The subject matter of The 8th is very important right now. And a cinema screening will only add to the film’s power.

In the Heights (25th Jun)

Over the course of three days in Washington Heights, a number of characters’ lives are charted. Including bodega owner, Usnavi, who is saving up all he can in the hopes of one day making a better life.

After the success of Hamilton last year, another filmed adaptation of a Lin-Manuel Miranda musical is something that everyone should be wanting. With catchy tunes, beautiful visuals, a story that celebrates Latinx culture, and a talented cast and crew In The Heights will surely be a wonderful time. But for the best experience, nothing is going to compare to hearing these songs on cinema speakers.

Another Round (25th Jun)

Four teachers decide to try an experiment and see if they can improve their lives by making sure they have a constant level of alcohol in their blood.

Another Round’s intriguing premise and the fact that it has been nominated for several Oscars this year, including best international film and best director is alone enough reason to recommend seeing it. But because it reteams acclaimed director Thomas Vinterberg with the incredibly talented Mads Mikkelsen, who both worked together on the masterpiece The Hunt, Another Round becomes something that must be seen on big screens when they reopen. Purely because of the calibre of their work.

Fast and Furious 9 (8th Jul)

A new threat emerges to try and destroy Dom and his team’s idyllic existence. That threat is a man who happens to be the most skilled driver and assassin that the group has encountered yet. Dom’s brother, Jakob.

Of all the delayed blockbuster releases Fast and Furious 9 looks like one of the most fun. The franchise continues its ever-increasing tongue-in-cheek comic-book-esque silliness by resurrecting Sung Kang’s Han and having Dom’s brother Jakob (played by the ever-fun John Cena) be a supervillain joining with Cipher from Fate of the Furious. Justin Lin is also coming back to the director’s chair. He previously directed Fast Five. One of the most acclaimed Fast and Furious films. All these ingredients indicate Fast and Furious 9 will be an overblown, well-made, cheesy, good time made for a day out with friends. Which is something we could all use right now.

And those are just a few films that will be coming out when cinemas reopen. Are you looking forward to any of these releases and are you ready to head back to the cinema? Please let us know and remember to stay safe.

Also Read: BirdBox Film Club: Championing Womens’ Voices In Film

The post What to Watch When Cinemas Reopen appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.