Tobin Bell Returns as John Kramer for "Saw XI"

It's time for deadly games: After the huge success of "Saw X" – which grossed over 111 million dollars worldwide on a budget of 13 million dollars – we're in for another sequel next year with "Saw XI", for which Tobin Bell will be back as John Kramer!

This was confirmed by the "Saw" veteran in an interview with the LA Times. And John Kramer aka Jigsaw will also play a central role again in "Saw XI".

Nothing is yet known about the plot of the next chapter in the cult horror series. However, the film will once again be directed by Kevin Greutert, who was not only responsible for "Saw X", "Saw VI" and "Saw VII", but also edited the first five movies and "Jigsaw" – making him an absolute connoisseur of the film series. The film is expected to be released on September 26, 2025.

The "Saw" Film Series at a Glance

The "Saw" series is one of the best-known and longest-running horror franchises in film history. Since the first film in 2004, the series has captivated audiences around the world with its gruesome traps, psychological twists and the iconic character of the Jigsaw killer. With eleven movies to date, a video game, comic adaptations and a huge influence on the subgenre of torture porn, "Saw" has left a lasting impression on modern horror culture.

1. Saw (2004)

The story of the "Saw" series began in 2004 with a low-budget movie that was originally only planned as a short film. Director James Wan and screenwriter Leigh Whannell had the idea of creating a thriller that revolved around moral decisions, psychological terror and cruel torture traps. "Saw" tells the story of two men who wake up in a dilapidated bathroom, chained and forced to complete a series of brutal tasks in order to survive. The sadistic killer, known as Jigsaw, asks the two the cruel question of how far they would go to save their lives.

The movie was not only a surprise success at the box office, but also a style-defining work for the horror genre. The mixture of mystery, horror and psychological elements created a new subgenre that later became known as torture porn. Although the first "Saw" film was relatively modest in its budget and presentation, it laid the foundation for an extensive film series.

2. Saw II (2005)

With "Saw II", the story of Jigsaw was deepened. The movie introduced a new game with several participants who had to fight their way through a deadly labyrinth. At the same time, we learn more about Jigsaw, who is portrayed as a man suffering from cancer who wants to purify his victims through cruel tests. This movie laid the foundation for the complicated mythology of the series and set even more extreme traps.

3. Saw III (2006)

"Saw III" featured the bloodiest and most elaborate traps in the series. Here, Jigsaw lies dying and teaches his successor, Amanda (played by Shawnee Smith), how to continue his work. The third part focuses on the psychological aspects of torture and the complex connections between Jigsaw and his victims.

4. Saw IV (2007)

"Saw IV" continues the story directly and shows that even after Jigsaw's death, his games continue. Here, the role of Detective Hoffman (played by Costas Mandylor) is introduced as Jigsaw's new heir. The movie uses flashbacks to further explain Jigsaw's motivation and complicates the mythology of the franchise.

5. Saw V (2008)

In the fifth installment, "Saw V", Hoffman's role as Jigsaw's successor takes center stage. He continues the games in Jigsaw's name, but his methods are even more brutal and less morally motivated. The movie once again offers brutal traps as the conspiracy surrounding Jigsaw's legacy deepens.

6. Saw VI (2009)

"Saw VI" returns to the moral themes of the first movies. Here, victims are forced to make decisions that affect their lives or the lives of others. The film criticizes American healthcare policy and the insurance industry's lack of scruples. Many fans praised this part as a return to the roots of the series.

7. Saw 3D (2010)

"Saw 3D" was originally intended to end the franchise. The film promised to conclude unfinished storylines and resolve the conflict over Jigsaw's legacy. However, although it was planned as the final chapter, the possibility of future sequels was left open at the end.

8. Jigsaw (2017)

After seven years, the franchise returned with "Jigsaw". The movie presented a new game that is apparently directed by Jigsaw himself, even though he's long been dead. The plot focused on copycats and took viewers back into the killer's sinister world. Despite commercial success, the film received mixed reviews as it couldn't quite capture the charm of the earlier films.

9. Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)

"Spiral: From the Book of Saw" was an attempt to revitalize the franchise. With Chris Rock in the lead role and as producer, as well as Samuel L. Jackson in the cast, an attempt was made to look at the subject from a new perspective. The movie follows a police officer investigating the gruesome murders of a Jigsaw copycat. However, the attempt to create a spin-off that focuses more on crime thriller elements was not as well received as hoped.

10. Saw X (2023)

"Saw X" brought John Kramer aka Jigsaw back to center stage and attempted to right the wrongs of the previous films. The movie takes place between the events of "Saw I" and "Saw II" and shows Jigsaw carrying out one of his games. Fans and critics praised the film as a successful return to the roots of the franchise, and Tobin Bell received much acclaim for his performance.

The "Saw" series has established itself as one of the longest running and most successful horror franchises over the past two decades. With its gruesome traps, deep psychological conflicts and the moral questions it raises, "Saw" has revolutionized the torture porn genre. Jigsaw remains one of the most fascinating characters in modern horror history, and it is likely that the franchise will continue to shock and thrill viewers in the future.