Jigsaw Netflix Series - What We Know So Far
Heist movies and TV shows have been popular for decades because sometimes it's just fun to root for the "bad guys." But one upcoming heist show that will be quite a bit different than the standard "ragtag bunch of thieves making one last score" story is "Jigsaw."
As reported by Variety, Netflix ordered the eight-episode series on September 16, 2021. The show was created by Eric Garcia, who previously wrote the novel "Matchstick Men" that was adapted into the 2003 movie of the same name, and co-wrote the 2001 sci-fi thriller "Repo Men." The executive producers include Ridley Scott, David W. Zucker, and Jordan Sheehan for Scott Free Productions; Fred Berger, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and Justin Levy for Automatik Entertainment; and Russell Fine.
It also boasts a dynamic cast full of well-known actors. But the real hook here is that the story will be told differently than just about another other show on TV right now. Here's everything we know so far.
What is the release date for Jigsaw?
"Jigsaw" doesn't yet have an announced premiere date, but it shouldn't be too far off. As reported by Variety, the show is currently filming at Netflix's new Bushwick-based production facility, Netflix Studios: Brooklyn. Since the cast is set (more below) and the show is actively being made, it should premiere sometime in 2022.
By comparison, another Netflix show that was filmed in New York City, "Russian Doll," took about a year between the start of production and the premiere. "Russian Doll" started shooting on February 18, 2018, and debuted on February 1, 2019 (via On Location Vacations). Both "Russian Doll" Season 1 and "Jigsaw's" upcoming first season include eight episodes, so we'd expect a similar timeline for the latter series.
So, look for "Jigsaw" to debut in September 2022. But we should have a more precise date available in the coming months, and we'll update this article accordingly.
Who is in the cast of Jigsaw?
When Netflix announced that it had ordered "Jigsaw" to series, it also shared the eight principal cast members, as well as the characters they'll be playing.
Giancarlo Esposito plays Leo Pap, the leader of the heist crew who's a lifelong thief with "an engineer's mind and a meticulous eye for detail. He once tried to leave his criminal life behind.
Paz Vega plays Ava Mercer, an attorney who plays things fast and loose but is ultimately loyal to the people she cares about.
Rufus Sewell plays Roger Salas, an ex-thief who's now working as a security expert. Loyal, but ambitious, he sounds like a strong candidate for the show's villain.
Tati Gabrielle plays Hannah Kim, a member of the thief crew who specializes in disguises and impersonations.
Peter Mark Kendall plays Stan Loomis, a smuggler who wants to live the good life, and is a romantic at heart.
Rosaline Elbay plays Judy Goodwin, the crew's sarcastic explosives experts.
Jai Courtney plays Bob Goodwin, the gang's safecracker and an alpha male type.
Finally, Niousha Noor plays Nazan Abassi, the FBI Agent who's tasked with bringing the crew down (via Variety).
What is the plot of Jigsaw?
"Jigsaw" is a heist show about your classic crew of thieves with different specializations who team up for a big score. In this case, it's the largest heist ever attempted. The story is based on the events of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, when floodwaters soaked $70 billion worth of bearer bonds in New York City (via David Scully's "The Law and Practice of Fine Art, Jewellery and Specie Insurance"). Obviously it will be a very loose adaptation, as those bonds weren't stolen, just ruined.
What's most unique about the story is the way that it will be told. The story is non-linear and takes place across multiple timelines, from 24 years before the heist to one year after. According to Netflix on Twitter, "Jigsaw" will be unlike any other series seen before, putting the viewers in control.
However, according to The Hollywood Reporter, that doesn't mean "Jigsaw" will be a choose-your-own-adventure style story, like the "Bandersnatch" episode of "Black Mirror." Instead, users will be able to choose the order they want to watch the episodes leading up to the finale — similar to the Paramount+ series "Interrogation."