Wow. I don’t think anybody could’ve possibly seen this coming. There’s so much going on here it’s hard to put it all in place… but I’ll try!
You guys remember back in October when the latest entry in one of the most successful genre franchises was hitting theaters? I’m talking about SAW VI. Primed to make a killing much like the SAWs before it, SAW VI was even scoring some surprisingly positive feedback. Then a little movie called PARANORMAL ACTIVITY came out of nowhere. Even after weeks of a VERY successful limited release PARANORMAL ACTIVITY destoryed SAW VI at the box office for the duo’s wide release opening weekend. That was a surprise.
Now that the history lesson is over let me tell you all about an even bigger surprise! SAW VI director Kevin Greutert has just been tapped to direct PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2! And the kicker? It’s coming out October 22nd… the same day as SAW VII! This is coming hot off The Hollywood Reporter’s Heat Vision blog. Are we ready for a rematch? ROCKY 2 eat your heart out! Now I hope you’re not confused. You read that right. Lionsgate went ahead and hired SAW V director David Hackl to director SAW VII even before Kevin Greutert’s SAW VI hit theaters. I’m sure many people will agree that Greutert’s film was the best in the franchise since SAW II.. So it’s only right that Lionsgate replace him with the guy that directed arguably the worst in the franchise. Makes sense. So what does Greutert do? Signs on to direct the sequel to the film that knocked his directorial debut out in the first round! All caught up? Good.
Along with hiring Greutert to direct, Paramount have also hired Michael R. Perry to pen the script. So what’s your take here? Personally I think both franchises are making a mistake. One of the best things about PARANORMAL ACTIVITY and SAW VI was the direction. We know it’s a mistake to replace Greutert with Hackl for SAW VII but dare I say it’s also a mistake to replace Oren Peli with Greutert? If you have the same worries I do maybe this’ll calm your nerves: Peli will be producing PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 along with fellow PARANORMAL ACTIVITY creator Jason Blum. If that’s not enough Peli even voiced his support for Greutert and Perry:
“These guys get it, and the fans won’t be disappointed.”
Looks like we’re in for another fun-filled October! Unfortunately there’s no word on any sort of cast or plot details. Be sure to keep it here for any other updates on PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 and SAW VII, both hitting theaters on October 22nd!
So do you think Shawnee Smith will find some way to pop up in SAW VII?
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