The Return No One Saw Coming
When it comes to the Saw franchise, few characters have left as indelible a mark as Amanda Young, portrayed by Shawnee Smith. So, when news broke that she would be returning in the latest installment, Saw X, fans were understandably buzzing with excitement. But why bring back a character who met her demise several sequels ago? Entertainment Weekly sat down with producer Oren Koules to get the inside scoop.
“It’s after Saw I, and she’s lived through the trap. She’s been reborn or whatever, so time-wise it worked. She’s a character that the fans absolutely adore and so it seemed natural to have the two of them together again,” said Koules.
Amanda Young: The Evolution of a Jigsaw Apprentice
Amanda Young’s journey in the Saw universe is nothing short of transformative. She started as a victim in the original Saw movie, surviving a reverse bear trap that ultimately led her to overcome her drug addiction. Her character arc took a darker turn in Saw II, where she was revealed to be Jigsaw’s apprentice.
“Over the course of the franchise, Amanda is a key character in providing audiences with an understanding of John Kramer’s work and motivations,” said a franchise insider.
Her character’s evolution didn’t stop there. Although she failed Jigsaw’s final test in Saw III, leading to her death, flashbacks in subsequent movies showed that she had been working alongside Jigsaw for quite some time.
The Amanda-Jigsaw Dynamic: More Than Just Master and Apprentice
Saw X isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s an exploration of the complex relationship between Amanda and Jigsaw (Tobin Bell). The movie takes place between the events of the original Saw and Saw II, focusing on the duo’s torturous escapades in Mexico City. They target a group of scammers who falsely claimed they could cure John Kramer’s cancer, offering a twisted form of redemption through their infamous traps.
“Because of its position in the Saw franchise timeline, Saw X needed to have Amanda return to maintain a consistent continuity,” explained a franchise historian.
But the film does more than just fill in the gaps; it delves into the ethical opposition Amanda has to some of Jigsaw’s methods, an aspect that will eventually lead to her downfall. In essence, Saw X offers the closest look yet at how Amanda and Jigsaw operated as a team, setting the stage for the events that unfold in Saw III.
Why Amanda’s Return Matters
In a franchise that has seen its fair share of twists and turns, Amanda’s return serves as both fan service and a crucial addition to the Saw lore. Her character provides a unique lens through which to explore Jigsaw’s twisted ideology, and her return promises to add new layers to an already intricate narrative.
So, whether you’re a die-hard Saw fan or a newcomer to the franchise, Amanda Young’s return in Saw X is not just a gimmick—it’s a storytelling choice that promises to deepen our understanding of the Saw universe. And let’s be honest, who isn’t excited to see Shawnee Smith back in action?
