The Saw franchise isn’t known for its length, with every installment of the series falling under two hours, but the runtime of Saw X is expected to be the longest yet.
Saw X director Kevin Greutert spoke at the Midsummer Scream 2023 convention (via The Direct) to tease just how epic the movie will be. “There’s so much more to this film than even the amazing amount that was there. I can say it’s the most epic, and this might sound scary, but I think it’s the longest ‘Saw’ movie,” Greutert said. “We don’t waste. When we’re editing a ‘Saw’ movie, we do not waste time. So the fact that it’s long, I think, is a testament to just how well done it is.“
Kevin Greutert didn’t specify exactly what the Saw X runtime would be, but Saw III held the previous record at 108 minutes. Still, anything could change between now and when the film is released. The Saw franchise is known for its twists and turns, but the director said that Saw X will be a more straightforward story than fans are used to. “You know, again, this film, I don’t think this is as complex. This is a much more straightforward story than maybe people are used to, but in a really good way, in a really good way,” Greutert said. “And because the whole thing takes place in the timeline between ‘Saw 1’ and ‘2’. We’re not bending ourselves into weird contortions to include the Tobin [Bell’s] character in the story. So I think anybody who’s never seen this movie will watch and understand and enjoy this.“
As the trailer revealed, Saw X will be set between the events of the first two movies. “John Kramer (Tobin Bell) is back. The most chilling installment of the SAW franchise yet explores the untold chapter of Jigsaw’s most personal game,” reads the official synopsis. “Set between the events of SAW I and II, a sick and desperate John 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.“
Saw X will hit theaters on September 29th.