10 Actors Who Returned To Save Dying Movie Franchises
7. Cary Elwes - Saw 3D
The Saw franchise started off in brilliantly grotesque fashion, a game of psychological torture to be played by the combatants in a literal fight for their lives. Unfortunately as the franchise continued, the focus on the game playing and untangling of mysteries made way for more gore and gruesome torture porn.
The death of Tobin Bell's puppet master at the end of the third film was a strange choice, but his appearance in flashbacks kept his character front and centre. By the sixth entry however, the franchise was needing a spark, and the introduction of an old favourite was exactly what the series needed.
Cary Elwes did a great job as the unfaithful Doctor Lawerence Gordon in the original, with the infamous moment where he saws off his own foot one of horror movies most memorable. His return in the seventh entry of the franchise, Saw 3D: The Final Chapter, proved to be exactly the boost that the franchise needed. Sure, the advertising for the film being 'the final chapter' conned a few into the cinema, but it was Elwes' return as Doctor Gordon that gave the film some much needed relevance.
The box office returns were significantly improved for this film, and the reviews were somewhat improved also. The franchise has since headed in a positive direction both in terms of money made and critical reception, and hopes are high for the Chris Rock starring spin off.