Could 'Saw VII 3D' Conclude The Franchise's Reign?

Could 'Saw VII 3D' Conclude The Franchise's Reign?

Screenwriter Patrick Melton and director Kevin Greutert weigh in on Jigsaw's seventh game and the fate of the Lionsgate juggernaut

By BRYANT GRIFFIN
2-8-2010
Source: Bloody Disgusting

As director Kevin Greutert begins principal photography on "Saw VII 3D," screenwriter Patrick Melton is indicating this chapter may be the last.

Lackluster box office returns for "Saw VI" may end the rein of Jigsaw, according to Melton. "Saw VII 3D" may also receive an additional moniker: "Endgame."

"I have a very strong feeling its going to end with 'Saw VII,'" Melton said in an interview with Latino Review. "That's something we're debating now. You saw in previous interviews or discussions where we thought 'Saw VIII' would be the last one where we had the first trilogy and the second trilogy and then sort of a grand finale wrapped up in two films. But frankly because 'Saw VI' hasn't performed as well as we anticipated, the idea is well why make two movies when we can make one really excellent movie that wraps up as best we can? And it's going to be in 3-D which sort of adds to the spectacle.

"So if you had to ask me, I don't own the franchise, nor do I run the studio, but I have a feeling, a strong feeling that it's going to be 'Saw VII' which will be also known as 'Endgame.' And nothing's official yet, but that's where we're hoping things will go."

Greutert, who directed "Saw VI" and served as an editor on "Saw II-V," is already wading into the challenges of orchestrating Jigsaw's seventh game.

"Well, team, it's hard to believe, but I start rolling high res 3D video on this movie tomorrow morning," Greutert said on the House of Jigsaw forum. "It's still an unreal fog to me (the experience, not the 3D video, although come to think of it ... well, never mind that for now ...), having one week to prep the most expensive 'Saw' film of all. We've attempted a comprehensive rewrite on the script since I got here, but it's tough: the sets are built, the traps are built, the storyline is set, and any major changes mean throwing out existing stuff, and it's hard to find the time, money and will to do things a different way.

"It has not been a picnic, but the crew is working hard, and I am as well. On those rare occasions when I can actually go to sleep, I see images like the World Trade Center collapsing in slow motion, plane crashes, drownings, other bad shit. It's unhealthy for me, but hopefully the creepy scariness of my life right now is somehow translating into a vibe that will be good for the movie, if they'll just give me a chance to put my stamp on it here and there. Very difficult indeed ...

"Thanks for hanging with me, everyone. And send some love to David Hackl, he could use it as much as me, if not more."

Hackl was slated to direct "Saw VII 3D," but Lionsgate decided to force Greutert back using an option in his contract; consequently, Lionsgate derailed Greutert's chance of directing "Paranormal Activity 2."

"Saw VII 3D" hits theaters Oct. 22.

About the Author: Bryant Griffin is the assistant news editor for Airlock Alpha and sister site Rabid Doll. He served as a journalist in the U.S. Army, as well as while a civilian. In 2002, he joined Quantum Global Media Inc., contributing to many early design concepts before shifting his focus back to writing. Bryant hails from Tampa, Fla.