January 26, 2010 "Saw VI" is widely considered the best "Saw" movie since "III." Yet it underperformed at the box office thanks to the fact that it opened the very same day as "Paranormal Activity," last year's biggest horror hit.

Well, Paramount (which released "Paranormal") apparently liked "Saw VI" because they asked that film's director, Kevin Greutert, to direct "Paranormal Activity 2" -- and he accepted. Now, however, he's being pulled back into the "Saw" franchise against his will via a clause in his contract.

Reports Deadline Hollywood:

It's a move that ratchets up the rivalry between Paramount and Lionsgate for Halloween 2010 dominance. Saw franchise partners Twisted Pictures and Lionsgate have just exercised an option and installed Saw VI director Kevin Greutert as director of Saw 3D, the seventh volume of the fright series. That blocks Paramount, which had hired Greutert to direct Paranormal Activity 2. Both films are set for release on October 22nd, and the move came after Paramount set that date. Meanwhile Twisted Pictures, which held an option on the director from back when he helmed Saw VI, bumped previously announced Saw 3D director David Hackl, who directed Saw V and who will be assigned another film quickly, sources tell me.

We'll see what happens with "Paranormal Activity 2." October is just 10 months away.

Talk about this story on ESplatter's Message Board

Gotta scoop? Drop a line to Lucius Gore, editor


<< Back