Chris Rock to Reboot 'Saw' Franchise

　　The "Saw" franchise is getting a reboot, with comedian Chris Rock at the helm.

　　Rock, who has long been a fan of the series, will serve as executive producer and star in the new film.

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

　　The reboot will be written by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, from a story by Rock. Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures are producing.

　　"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 Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chairman Joe Drake.

　　"'Saw' is one of the highest-grossing horror franchises of all time and it's one of Lionsgate's most successful film series," Drake continued. "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 original "Saw" film, released in 2004, had a budget of just $1.2 million and grossed over $100 million worldwide, making it one of the most profitable films of all time.

　　The franchise has since spawned eight sequels, with the most recent, "Jigsaw," being released in 2017.

　　The yet-untitled "Saw" reboot is scheduled to be released in theaters on October 23, 2020.