When “Saw” first hit theaters in 2004, digital marketing was still the new kid on the block, feeling out its place in the world. 20 years later, social media marketing has become so pervasive that big stars doing Ask Me Anything (AMA) threads is common practice.
In a recent post to Reddit’s r/movies, franchise staple Billy The Puppet got in on the 4th wall breaking fun.
Created by James Wan (“The Conjuring”) and Leigh Whannell (“Wolf Man”), the “Saw” franchise revolves around serial killer John “Jigsaw” Kramer, his apprentices, and their mouthpiece Billy. Rather than killing people outright, Jigsaw’s victims are placed into life-threatening “games” that they must fight to survive. These games are created with the belief that if someone escapes these elaborate traps, they will learn to value their life.
The franchise has now grown to ten films (with “Saw XI” on the way), three shorts, two video games, and a comic book.
Billy is a tricycle-riding puppet who often shows up to let victims know they are in one of Jigsaw’s infamous traps. So it only makes sense that he would be the one to handle the AMA for the first film’s 20th anniversary.
A Real Life Saw
Since this is Reddit there of course had to be at least one poster intentionally misunderstanding the assignment. “What saw would you recommend as a first time homeowner with a lot of overgrown trees and shrubs,” asks unser overly_unqualified. “ Some of the trees are over the roof and I’m worried about moss”
“Stihl MSA 300 C-O Cordless Electric Chainsaw,” Billy helpfully answered. Just because you aid in murders doesn’t mean you can’t do a solid for a new homeowner.
Plans to Travel
“In Saw X, you traveled to Mexico to help a group of people overcome inner obstacles,” writes StrataSam. “Are there any other countries you hope to expand your services to in the future?”
“i’ll go where i’m needed,” he answers. We expect to see Billy’s van life video series any day now.
“Billy, how did you get to Mexico? Did you have your own seat on the plane?” leftmyglassesathome wonders.
“fedex two-day express,” Billy explained. So maybe he doesn’t need a van after all.
The Trike
After 20 years on a trike, user JoeyDJQ rightfully asks; “Did you ever get off the training wheels?”
“nothing wrong with training wheels,” Billy defends.
Billy’s Origins
Some commenters just wanted the puppet’s origin story. “Are you factory made or home grown,” asks Nike-6.
“home grown,” he confirms. This makes sense given how limited the window for picking up homicidal dolls at Target is.
“Is John a good dad,” CynderMizuki asks.
“the best,” Billy affirms, but that’s probably because he has no life to take for granted.
Fortnite
Billy the Puppet has become such an icon for the franchise that he has been added to the video game “Fortnite.” So AGrandNightmare wanted to know; “What Fortnite dance are you most ashamed to be doing?”
“no shame in expressing myself,” he responds. Since he is all about embracing life, of course, he would support people finding joy in the everyday.
You can read the rest of Billy The Puppet’s AMA here. An unrated version of “Saw” is hitting select theaters until October 23rd to celebrate this milestone anniversary. You can find participating theaters near you here.
