In an unexpected twist, the upcoming releases of “Saw X” and “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie” on September 29, 2023, have sparked a unique juxtaposition dubbed “Saw Patrol.” This unusual combination draws parallels to the previously coined term “Barbenheimer,” which referred to the unlikely blend of Barbie and Oppenheimer from a previous crossover.
The crossover’s premise revolves around a quirky image shared by the “Saw” franchise, depicting Billy the Puppet from “Saw X” transforming a maze from the kid-friendly “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie” into a deadly trap. This image captures four characters from the PAW Patrol series ensnared by Jigsaw, who ominously scrawls “GAME OVER” on the maze, a nod to his signature catchphrase.
Though this odd pairing may not achieve the same widespread attention as Barbenheimer, it presents a noteworthy contrast. “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie” caters to children and is derived from the beloved Nick Jr. series, while “Saw X” delves into gruesome horror with Jigsaw’s nightmarish traps. Despite the disparity, the concept of “Saw Patrol” could potentially garner niche interest as a unique double feature.
Unlike Barbenheimer, which emerged from fan observations, “Saw Patrol” was initially suggested by Paramount Pictures through a tweet, signaling a deliberate effort to blend the two disparate films. The official Saw Twitter account acknowledged the crossover, but this top-down approach could make it feel more contrived than the organic emergence of Barbenheimer.
It’s plausible that “Saw Patrol” could attract a small audience, with some individuals attending both film openings out of curiosity. Although it might not reach the same level of cultural impact as Barbenheimer, the joke double feature could resurface in discussions leading up to September 29. However, it’s uncertain whether “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie” will respond to the playful intrusion of “Saw X” reimagining their maze as a macabre trap. The stark divergence between the two movies makes “Saw Patrol” an intriguing concept that hinges on the peculiar pairing of horror and children’s entertainment.