Chris Rock has written the story for the next 'Saw' movie

Funnyman Chris Rock has raised eyebrows with the announcement he is to write a spin-off of grizzly horror movie Saw.

The comedian is a big fan of the franchise, which consists of eight features films, the last of which, Jigsaw, hit cinemas in 2017.

The franchise will now receive a new lease of life from the unlikeliest of sources, after Rock approached Saw distributors Lionsgate with a story idea for a new film.

The concept was snapped up, with Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg set to adapt Rock’s story and Darren Lynn Bousman in the director’s chair.

The Grown Ups and Madagascar star said: “I’ve been a fan of Saw since the first film in 2004.

“I am excited by the opportunity to take this to a really intense and twisted new place.”

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Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group chairman Joe Drake said: “When Chris Rock came to us and described in chilling detail his fantastic vision that reimagines and spins-off the world of the notorious Jigsaw Killer, we were all-in.

“Saw is one of the highest grossing horror franchises of all-time and it’s one of Lionsgate’s most successful film series. This upcoming film will still be as mind bending and intense as all the previous Saw films.

“Chris conceived this idea and it will be completely reverential to the legacy of the material while reinvigorating the brand with his wit, creative vision and passion for this classic horror franchise.”

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Longtime series producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules released a joint statement saying: “Chris wants to put his own spin on the Saw franchise in the way Eddie Murphy put a completely fresh perspective on buddy-cop films with 48 Hours.

“This new Saw is going to be an event film in the making for horror fans. It will have all of the twists and turns and hardcore layers that our fans expect directed by one of the masters of the craft, Darren Lynn Bousman. We can’t wait to get started.”

The film is pencilled in for an October 2020 release.