Saw X: One Major Change That Could Jeopardize the Franchise's Success
The preservation of John Kramer's true nature is his key to his freedom.
Known for its gruesome and intricate traps, mind-bending puzzles, and the iconic Jigsaw/John Kramer puppet, James Wan's Saw franchise has become a staple of the horror genre since its debut in 2004. With nine installments released so far, the franchise has built up a dedicated fan base and has earned its place in the history of the horror genre.
However, with the tenth installment already in the works, there has to be a lot of attention paid to the direction of the franchise, as this one major change in Saw X could be in danger of ruining the success of the entire $1 billion series.
John Kramer, aka the Jigsaw Killer, is the central figure in the Saw franchise, known for his sophisticated, morally driven deathtraps. His character, portrayed by Tobin Bell, is defined by his philosophy that individuals should have an appreciation for life and atone for their misdeeds.
Although the methods of his teachings are gruesome and life-threatening, Jigsaw has become one of the most popular characters among fans.
The original Saw revealed the twisted motives of John Kramer due to his terminal illness, which led to a series of films in which his apprentice continued his gruesome work. However, in spite of attempts at a soft reboot with 2021 Spiral, the franchise has struggled without the presence of John Kramer.
In Saw X, which is considered a midquel set between the first and second installments, John is finally back. He undergoes a medical procedure in Mexico that turns out to be a total scam and leads him to kidnap fraudsters for his personal games.
Though Jigsaw is a complex horror figure with his own motives, his victims in Saw were morally ambiguous at best, and let's face it — they never deserved to meet their ends in such horrific ways.
From the reversed bear trap to the laser collars, Kramer's unhealthy desire to punish people in the most psychotic of ways is beyond gruesome.
That's why his transformation into a righteous vigilante in Saw X may not be the best direction for the franchise, as it could potentially change the character's essence and overall story.
John Kramer may have had his reasons for all this madness, but he was definitely never a rebellious hero who was out of touch with his way of life.
While Tobin Bell and his character have been missed, especially in the last few installments, and the die-hard fans will definitely love Saw X with a sense of nostalgia, it's crucial that the movie doesn't distort Jigsaw's villainous legacy by potentially leading to more movies that misinterpret his arc.