The ‘Saw’ franchise is one of those horror titles that keeps on pumping out new entries, finding ever more tricky ways to explore its basic premise –– while also spawning spin-off concepts such as its presence at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights and traveling haunted house-style experiences.

After a less-than-well-reviewed (and a little light in box office terms: $40 million worldwide from a $20 million budget with ‘Spiral’, we’re back in proper ‘Saw’ territory for ‘Saw X’, which has a first trailer online.

What’s the story of ‘Saw X’?

Tobin Bell as John Kramer / Jigsaw in 'Saw X.'

Tobin Bell as John Kramer / Jigsaw in 'Saw X.' Photo Credit: Ivan Meza. Copyright: Lionsgate.

Set between the events of ‘Saw’ and ‘Saw II’, a sick and desperate John Kramer (Tobin Bell, back in his iconic role) travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer –– only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable.

Armed with a newfound purpose, John returns to his work, turning the tables on the con artists in his signature visceral way through a series of ingenious and terrifying traps.

Related Article: Tobin Bell is Returning to Play the Scheming Jigsaw for the Untitled Next ‘Saw’

Who else is in ‘Saw X’?

Shawnee Smith as Amanda Young in 'Saw X.'

Shawnee Smith as Amanda Young in 'Saw X.' Photo Credit: Alexandro Bolaños Escamilla/Lionsgate. Copyright: Lionsgate.

‘Saw X’ also sees the return of Bell’s fellow franchise veteran Shawnee Smith, with the cast line-up for this one including Synnøve Macody Lund, Steven Brand, Michael Beach and Renata Vaca.

Behind the camera for this one are writers Josh Stolberg and Pete Goldfinger, who have scripted previous entries, and director Kevin Greutert, who has edited many of the ‘Saw’ films and called the shots on ‘Saw VI’ and ‘Saw 3D’.

Shawnee Smith as Amanda Young in 'Saw X.'

Shawnee Smith as Amanda Young in 'Saw X.' Photo Credit: Ivan Meza. Copyright: Lionsgate.

Greutert tweeted a message upon wrapping the movie back in February:

“I hope we can use the title ‘Saw X’ because this chapter really gets back to the roots of what makes ‘Saw’ so special to me and everyone else who loves John Kramer’s saga. Heartfelt thanks to all the cast, not all of whom I can name here but including Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Synnøve Lund, Steven Brand, Renata Vaca…and everyone else who helped make this happen, as well as producers Mark Burg, Oren Koules, Ulrich Maier, Erick Ahedo and Lionsgate for trusting me with this blood-spitting beast of a story. This is an incredible day for me, can’t wait for the world to see the final movie.”

Though the movies have seen mixed fortunes at the box office, the ‘Saw’ franchise (which kicked off all the way back in 2004 has become a reliable scare series and seems likely to keep on pumping out traps and terror for some time to come.

Plus, fans will be happy to be back in the hands of Bell’s Kramer, as the actor has always brought such presence to what could be a limited role. We’ll have to wait and see how ‘Saw X’ performs when it arrives later this year.

‘Saw X’ will be getting tricky in theaters on September 29th.

'Saw X.'

'Saw X.' Photo Credit: Alexandro Bolaños Escamilla. Copyright: Lionsgate.

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