Exciting news, Saw-heads – Tobin Bell has confirmed that we (still) haven't seen the last of John Kramer, confirming that he will return yet again for Saw XI, the sequel to last year's Saw X.
In a new interview with the LA Times, Bell confirmed he will be a “main part” of the eleventh entry in the long-running gory franchise, which will be directed by Saw X and Saw VI director Kevin Greutert.
Bell made his debut as mastermind serial killer Kramer, also known as Jigsaw, in James Wan's 2004 directorial debut Saw, and has since returned to the character in every Saw sequel, aside from 2021's Spiral. However, as fans of the franchise are aware (spoilers to follow for those somehow not in the Saw loop!), Kramer was killed off in Saw III.
Saw X managed to bring him back by being set between Saw and Saw II, but the plan for keeping him around in Saw XI remains to be seen. We do know that Saw XI will not be a Spiral sequel.
When asked about Kramer's return, Bell had this to say:
“I’m really excited about continuing to develop him […] John Kramer is not done. There’s more to learn.”
Bell's return to the character of Kramer led to Saw X being the best reviewed entry into the series since the original, and racking up a worldwide box office of $111.8 million. It's no surprise that Lionsgate were keen to get him back on board, and the storied actor even teases that we will see a whole new side of the complex character of Kramer.
When asked about playing “the bad guy”, Kramer explained:
“If within being pigeonholed I can create a rich acting experience — which is why I became an actor — pigeonhole me, go ahead […] It’s every artist’s responsibility to create within whatever is given to him and it’s my job to change your perception of me. If you want to perceive me in a certain way, maybe you’ll see me differently when you see the next film.”
Saw XI is set to hit theaters on September 26, 2025. We'll bring you more updates on Jigsaw's return as they roll in.
