The Saw franchise has been a staple in the horror genre since its debut in 2004. Over the years, the series has captivated audiences with its twisted plot lines, gory traps, and mind-bending twists. While many fans may think they know everything about the Saw movies, there are plenty of trivia and lesser-known facts that will leave them stunned. Let’s take a deep dive into the macabre world of Jigsaw and explore some creepy details that most people don’t know.
Jigsaw’s Puppeteer:
The infamous puppet used by Jigsaw, also known as Billy the Puppet, was inspired by a real-life marionette used by John Kramer (Tobin Bell) in a 2003 short film called “Saw 0.5.”
Real-Life Saw Trap:
The iconic Reverse Bear Trap was loosely inspired by a real-life trap called the “Pears of Anguish,” which dates back to medieval times and was used as a torture device.
Billy’s Voice:
The unnerving voice of Billy the Puppet was provided by actor and writer Charlie Clouser. He also composed the chilling soundtrack for the Saw movies.
Saw Franchise Guinness World Record:
The Saw franchise holds the Guinness World Record. The “Most Successful Horror Movie Series”, thanks to its tremendous box office success and loyal fan base.
The Unbelievable Origin of the ‘Saw’ Saga
“Saw” almost never happened! Leigh Whannell and James Wan, with just $30,000, hit wall after wall in Australia. But they didn’t give up. They jetted off to LA with a gutsy plan and a shoestring budget. The game-changer? A nail-biting, seven-minute short film for a mere A$5,000, starring Whannell himself in the terrifying jaw trap scene. This bold move? It sparked the birth of the spine-chilling “Saw” saga. Talk about a thrilling leap of faith!
Saw Franchise Inspired by Se7en:
The concept of the Saw movie was partly inspired by the David Fincher film “Se7en”. It revolves around a serial killer using the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi.
Director’s Debut:
The original Saw film marked the directorial debut of James Wan. He later went on to direct other successful horror movies such as “Insidious” and “The Conjuring”, and established himself as one of the experts of the blockbuster-y modern horror genre.
Multiple Endings:
To keep the movie’s ending a secret, James Wan and Leigh Whannell filmed multiple versions, even hiding the real ending from most of the cast and crew until the final edit.
Billy’s Hilarious Origins:
In the Saw universe, Billy the Puppet originally started as a children’s show mascot named “Gobbo the Clown” before he was used by Jigsaw.
Real-Life Inspiration:
The concept of Jigsaw’s moralistic traps was inspired by John Kramer’s belief in teaching people the value of their lives after surviving a near-fatal car crash.
Billy’s Change:
Over the course of the Saw movies, Billy the Puppet’s appearance changed from a simple wooden puppet to a more complex animatronic figure. This happened as the traps became more elaborate.
The creator inside:
One of the main writers of the Saw Franchise is actually one of the two main characters in the first chilling scene of the very first movie.
The Billy Bike:
In Saw III, Billy the Puppet is a tricycle in a flashback, showcasing a disturbing yet playful side of the infamous puppet.
Saw Video Game:
The Saw franchise also ventured into the world of gaming with the release of a video game. The title of the game was “Saw: The Video Game” in 2009. The game was featuring new traps and puzzles.
Hidden Twists:
The Saw movies are notorious for their unexpected twists. But even the actors were often unaware of the full scope of the plot until they saw the finished film.
Saw Franchise continues its legacy with Saw X. It’s the eleventh installment of the franchise is coming on theaters on 29th of September. It will be a prequel story taking place between the first and second movies. The film will focus on John Kramer’s story and how he became Jigsaw. Check out the trailer and share your thoughts on the franchise.