Paramount and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster Working on New 'Paranormal Activity'; James Wan Joins Franchise as Producer for the First Time

Paramount Pictures and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster are set to develop a fresh installment in the iconic Paranormal Activity franchise. The project will be produced by Blumhouse alongside Oren Peli of Solana Films, the director behind the original 2007 hit, with horror maestro James Wan joining the series as a producer for the first time following the Blumhouse-Atomic Monster merger.

Executive production will include Steven Schneider for Room 101, and Michael Clear and Judson Scott representing Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, with Alayna Glasthal overseeing the project for the company.

Details about the eighth installment of the franchise remain largely under wraps. Paramount and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster are prioritizing the film, with co-financing and co-production handled jointly, while Paramount will manage global distribution.

Since its debut, Paranormal Activity has become the defining found-footage horror phenomenon, comparable to The Blair Witch Project. The original micro-budget film directed by Peli became a surprise sensation, grossing approximately $193 million worldwide. The franchise revolves around homes plagued by malevolent supernatural forces and has grown to include seven films, with the latest, Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin, released in 2021. Altogether, the series has earned over $900 million globally.

The success of the original film helped establish Blumhouse as a leading producer in the horror genre, paving the way for hit franchises like Insidious, Ouija, The Purge, and Happy Death Day, along with numerous standalone horror titles.

Author: Jackson Miller