Movies

Aussie Saw filmmaker James Wan shares his heartbreak after legendary producer who helped him get his big break dies aged 55

BBG News

In a heartfelt gesture, the esteemed Australian director James Wan expressed his respects for the late Jason Constantine, the cherished producer of the Saw film series, who passed away at the age of 55 following a battle with brain cancer on Tuesday.

The well-known horror movie director, aged 48, who collaborated frequently with Constantine on many Saw films, expressed his sadness by sharing multiple pictures of them together online.

‘Jason was an exceptional friend and individual whom we deeply mourn. I have been acquainted with Jason since our initial collaboration on the Saw movie. The movie’s success can largely be attributed to his contributions.’

He had such strong faith in the project that he advocated for it, presenting it to Lionsgate prior to the filming of the movie itself.

Later, Wan acknowledged his gratitude towards his deceased friend for turning a student project into a billion-dollar movie empire.

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Jason often stood as the unacknowledged champion of the movie franchise, consistently showing great enthusiasm for the films and the creators behind them.

‘But more importantly, he was a genuinely kind, sweet, caring, loving man. 

‘A true anomaly in a town like Hollywood. And a great father and husband too.’

Following Constantine’s assistance, Wan found success in the film industry and directed several high-profile Hollywood hits such as Fast and Furious 7 and The Conjuring.

I had the esteemed role as co-president within Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, where I also served as the executive producer for the entire Saw film series – a creation of James Wan and his writing partner, Leigh Whannell.

Additionally, he was responsible for directing the American films “See No Evil” (which stars Rachael Taylor) and “The Condemned,” in which Madeleine West from the TV series “Neighbours” appears.

The producer died at his Los Angeles home on Tuesday after a long battle with brain cancer. 

Across ten movies made from 2004 – 2023, the Saw franchise has made over AU$1bn at the box office. 

Besides predominantly featuring an American ensemble, these movies also starred Australian actor Costas Mandylor in the role of a sinister detective.

The franchise began when “Saw” premiered in theaters on October 27, 2004, significantly boosting the careers of its director James Wan and screenwriter Leigh Whannell.

Initially, the movie was made with a limited financial investment, yet it grossed more than $100 million at the theater, thereby launching a renowned series of films.

A year after the release of “Saw,” another film titled “Saw II” was made. This time, it was directed by Darren Lynn Bousman instead of James Wan, and Bousman also collaborated with Whannell on the screenplay.

In 2023, the latest installment of the Saw franchise, titled Saw X, hit theaters, with both James Wan and Leigh Whannell serving as its producers.

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2025-06-06 08:48

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