"Saw 7" Cuts Up Greutert's "Paranormal Activity" Plans

By our guest blogger, Matt Jussim

The battle for Halloween 2010 has already begun.

Twisted Pictures and Lionsgate have exercised an option on "Saw VI" director Kevin Greutert to get him to return and direct the upcoming seventh film in the horror series, says Deadline Hollywood.

According to Deadline Hollywood: “Saw franchise partners Twisted Pictures and Lionsgate have just exercised a contractual option and installed Saw VI director Kevin Greutert as director of Saw 3D, the seventh volume of the fright series.”

“He was hired just two weeks before shooting will begin, which doesn't leave a lot of prep time. But the goal was to block Paramount, which had hired Greutert to direct 'Paranormal Activity 2.' Meanwhile, Twisted Pictures has held an option on the director from back when he helmed 'Saw VI.'”

David Hackl ("Saw V") was previously attached to helm "Saw VII 3D," but has been removed from the project and will be assigned to another project.

The move comes with some bad timing, as last week it was announced that Greutert would helm the sequel to this year's supernatural sensation, Oren Peli's "Paranormal Activity." The first 'Paranormal' scored $123 million in box-office and decent reviews, more than double the take of the panned "Saw VI" with $57 million.

This year, Paramount had lined up the 'Paranormal' sequel for an October 22, 2010 release, directly in competition with "Saw VII 3D." This move is seen as Lionsgate essentially hitting back, the move essentially stalling the second "Paranormal."

The “Saw” films have just repeatedly gotten worse with each sequel, so I’m not sure why Greutert was such a hot choice for “Paranormal 2” anyway. While I think he should be able to direct what he wants, he did sign the contract that included an option for another “Saw” film, so it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.

“Paranormal Activity 2” and “Saw 3D” will be released October 22, 2010.