ill inmate on death row. That same year, he portrayed Ted Kaczynski in the made-for-television film Unabomber: The True Story. In 1997, Bell guest starred in an episode of La Femme Nikita and Nash Bridges. The following year, he guest starred in an episode of Stargate SG-1 and a two-part episode of Walker, Texas Ranger. Bell made a one-scene appearance in the 2001 episode Army of One of The Sopranos playing Major Carl Zwingli. In 2003, he was cast as the villain Peter Kingsley during the second season of 24. 2004–2010: Saw breakthrough role and becoming an horror icon Bell's breakthrough role came in 2003 when he was cast as John Kramer / Jigsaw in the horror film, Saw. The film is about John Kramer who is an engineer-turned-serial killer that wants others to appreciate the value of life by placing them in twisted "games" of physical and psychological torture. The film was James Wan's directorial debut and was shot in 18 days on a budget of $1.2 million. Bell spent two weeks lying on a floor and had very few lines, but his role was pivotal to the film. He credits two reasons he joined the film; the opportunity to work with Danny Glover for the first time and thought very highly of the film's ending. Lionsgate acquired the worldwide distribution rights for the film days before its release at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. While initially getting a direct-to-video release, test screenings that March turned out positive prompting Lionsgate to release it theatrically that Halloween. It became a box office success, grossing $103 million worldwide and receiving mixed reviews from critics. Even though Bell would join the first film with no intention of a second film being made, as a result of the financial success, six direct sequels were released on every October from 2005 to 2010. The following year, Bell starred in Saw II, which he said was because "the character of John Kramer was not fully define and he had an opportunity as an actor to take him to the next level". In 2006's Saw III his character was killed off, however he later signed on for up to five sequels. He would return to Saw IV, Saw V, Saw VI and Saw 3D where Jigsaw is featured in flashbacks, some focusing on his origin. He explained, "Saw doesn't happen in a straight line so, you