For the first time ever, the original Saw is hitting the big screen in its unrated form. Lionsgate has partnered with the folks at Fathom Events to re-release James Wan’s 2004 modern horror classic in theaters in honor of its 20th anniversary. But it’s not just going to be the R-rated version audiences know and love. This will be the unfiltered, bloodier, more disturbing version of the film that started it all.
Fathom Events is bringing Saw unrated to theaters on Sunday, October 20 and Wednesday, October 23 for a two-night special engagement. Not only will this different version of the film be screened, but none other than Tobin Bell, Jigsaw himself, will feature in bonus content, with the actor discussing the fandom and his time as John Kramer. Given that Saw was an annual Halloween tradition for much of the 2000s, this all feels appropriate. Fathom also revealed an updated, needlessly detailed synopsis for the re-release, which reads as follows:
“A young man named Adam (Leigh Wannell) wakes to find himself chained to a rusty pipe inside a decrepit subterranean chamber. Chained to the opposite side of the room is another bewildered captive, Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes). Between them is a dead man lying in a pool of blood, holding a .38 in his hand. Neither man knows why he has been abducted: but instructions left on a microcassette, order Dr. Gordon to kill Adam within eight hours. If he fails to do so, then both men will die, and Dr. Gordon’s wife, Alison (Monica Parker), and his daughter will be killed. Recalling a recent murder investigation by a police detective named Tapp (Danny Glover), Dr. Gordon realizes he and Adam are the next victims of a psychopathic genius known only as “Jigsaw”. With only a few hours left to spare, they must unravel the elaborate puzzle of their fate in the midst of mounting terror. The killer has provided them with only a few clues and two handsaws – too weak to break their steel shackles, but strong enough to cut through flesh and bone…”
There are few (if any) horror franchises that have become as big as this one has in the 2000s. Serving as Wan’s feature directorial debut. Wan has since gone on to become one of the biggest filmmakers in Hollywood, particularly in the realm of horror. He’s also the man behind the Insidious and Conjuring franchises, among others. His monstrous career truly begins with this low-budget, grizzly little film.
Saw was made for just over $1 million and became a surprise hit, one that paved the way for a series of sequels that followed. Most recently, Saw X became a huge hit in 2023, pushing the franchise past the $1 billion mark at the global box office. Lionsgate is currently working on Saw XI with director Kevin Greutert, with the sequel due to hit theaters in October 2025.
Look for the unrated version of Saw in theaters on October 20 and October 23. Fans can grab tickets now via FathomEvents.com.
