SAW - SAW 4 SET FOR HALLOWEEN 2007 RELEASE

The next installment in the SAW series of horror films is set for release next Hallowe'en (31OCT07) after SAW 3 experienced the best opening yet for the gory horror franchise last weekend (ends29OCT06). Film-makers announced that a third sequel to the surprise horror hit of 2004 would go into production based on Saw 3's $34.3 million (GBP19 million) debut at the US box office. The three-day total compares to an opening of $31.7 million ((17.6 million) for SAW II last year (05) and $18.3 million (GBP10.2 million) for SAW in 2004. After the initial success of the first low-budget movie, film-makers have turned the franchise into an annual ritual with quickly produced sequels each Hallowe'en. The movies follow the diabolical schemes of psycho killer JIGSAW, played by TOBIN BELL, who stages elaborate, bloody games to test the moral fibre of his victims. The new film is expected to be a prequel to the first film, according to website Moviehole.net.