It’s been a huge weekend for theSawfranchise, withSpiralretaining its position at the top of the domestic box office for a second weekend, while the franchise itself has now joined the illustrious billion-dollar club thanks to its ninth installment.
Prior to the release ofSpiral, the cumulative gross for the series was sitting at a little over $978 million, so it was inevitable that a recognizable property roping in big names likeChris RockandSamuel L. Jacksonto star would see it cross the milestone, even if the theatrical industry is still feeling the lingering effects of a global pandemic.
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Spiralis also the sixth entry in the long-running horror series to open at number one domestically, so it’s good news all around for studio Lionsgate and production company Twisted Pictures. Lionsgate’s President of Domestic Theatrical DistributionDavid Spitzreleased a statement praising Saw’s achievement, and you’re able to bet we haven’t seen the last of the elaborate traps and buckets of blood that’s largely defined the property for the last seventeen years:
“We congratulate our friends at Twisted Pictures and all of the filmmakers and stars who have been a part of the Saw legacy. Over the years, our partners have been innovative, creative, and open to new ideas as they have nurtured a microbudget film into a billion-dollar-plus-grossing cultural phenomenon.”
Sawalso happens to be one of the most profitable franchises in the history of cinema, having now earned over a billion dollars at the global box office on combined production costs of less than $100 million, so it’s no wonder a tenth installment isalready in development, as well as Lionsgate Television chiefKevin Beggsteasing that early discussions are happening over a potential TV series as well.
Not only that, butSawhas become just the fifth horror franchise to ever join the ten-figure club alongsideThe Conjuring Universe,Alien, Resident EvilandAndy Muschietti’sIt, so it’s going to be high fives and backslapping all around for the cast, crew, creative team and board members.
Spiralmay not feature the brand’s two most recognizable figures inTobin Bell’s Jigsaw and his nefarious accomplice Billy the Puppet, and an opening weekend of $8.7 million was lower than the double-digit debutmany were expecting, but it’s still a huge win nonetheless looking at nothing but the milestones.
KEEP READING:How to Watch the ‘Saw’ Movies In Order (Chronologically and By Release Date)
