For the better part of a decade in the early 2000s, the Saw franchise was a Halloween staple, with the first seven installments landing release dates in late October. Jigsaw carried on that tradition, though Chris Rock’s Spiral shook things up a bit with its May 2021 drop. The tenth film, Saw X looked to be returning to form with an October 27 debut, but Lionsgate is once again breaking with spooky holiday traditions by shifting the sequel up a full month. While kind of disappointing for anyone wanting a mood-appropriate theatrical experience, at least the studio has a good reason for making the move. (Lionsgate also revealed a first-look shot of returning star Tobin Bell, as well as more details, so no grudges held here.)
Bringing the title back to its simple roots for the first time since 2010’s Saw 3D, Saw X will now trap audiences in their seats on Friday, September 29, 2023. This sequel also brings back the sixth and seventh film’s director, Kevin Greutert, working from a script penned by Josh Stolberg and Peter Goldfinger, who also wrote Jigsaw and Spiral. Considering it’s also bringing back Amanda Young actress Shawnee Smith alongside Bell, it does seem a little baffling that Lionsgate would put the film out a full month ahead of trick-or-treating.
