January 19, 2010 It's a classic case of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." Kevin Greutert's "Saw VI" was trounced at the box office last Halloween by "Paranormal Activity." Now Greutert is set to direct "Paranormal Activity 2" for Paramount, due to hit screens against "Saw VII" this Halloween.

From the Hollywood Reporter:

Something’s moving in the “Paranormal Activity 2” house.

Paramount has hired screenwriter Michael R. Perry and director Kevin Greutert to create the sequel to 2009’s biggest surprise hit, “Paranormal Activity,” which scared up $151 million in worldwide grosses in the fall on a shoestring $15,000 budget and a shrewd, opt-in Web marketing campaign.

Significantly, Paramount will unleash it in theaters on the pre-Halloween weekend of October 22, which sets it against that date’s reigning champion in previous years, the next installment in Lionsgate’s “Saw” series (this year would be “VII”). In a symbolic twist, Greutert made his directorial debut on the sixth “Saw” film, which grossed just $31 million worldwide, with observers thinking that the franchise may be bleeding dry.

Jason Blum and Oren Peli, who masterminded the first “Activity,” are producing the second iteration. Steven Schneider will serve as executive producer.

“These guys get it, and the fans won’t be disappointed,” said Peli of Perry and Greutert’s participation.

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