Ian Tuason’s trajectory through the horror landscape has been nothing short of meteoric. Rising to prominence with his innovative VR horror shorts, Tuason has since authored a chilling novel, helmed the acclaimed A24 feature Undertone, and is now tasked with revitalizing the Paranormal Activity brand—the very franchise that established Blumhouse as a titan of the genre. With Undertone currently available via digital platforms (and still playing in select cinemas), Tuason is turning his creative focus toward his upcoming project, telling Polygon he has been granted “complete creative autonomy” to reshape the series.
“As a lifelong fan, I’m eager to deliver some truly paradigm-shifting surprises to the audience,” he remarks.
This upcoming installment marks the franchise’s first foray into theaters since the 2021 reboot, Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin. Currently operating under the working title Paranormal Activity 8, the film remains shrouded in mystery, with Tuason tight-lipped on whether it will serve as a total reimagining or a narrative continuation involving established franchise figures.
Image: Paramount Pictures/Everett Collection“I’m keeping the specifics under wraps, but I feel incredibly fortunate to have this level of creative oversight,” he adds. “While the vision is distinctly my own, I am a fan first, so I intend to treat this legacy with the utmost respect.”
Ultimately, Tuason’s primary objective is to synthesize the elements that originally made the series a cultural phenomenon.
“I want to distill the very best components of the first three films and blend them with the found-footage classics that inspired me,” he explains. “My goal is to create a hybrid that redefines the genre. I’m committed to that gritty, DIY aesthetic, but by utilizing modern consumer technology—think high-end smartphones, security systems, even smart-home appliances.”
Reflecting on his experience with his debut feature, Undertone, Tuason notes that the process provided invaluable lessons for his work on the sequel.
“The biggest takeaway was the importance of staying true to your artistic vision while blocking out external noise,” he says. “Undertone was essentially a homegrown project made with friends, free from outside interference. The reception has really proven that when you prioritize the craft of storytelling, the quality speaks for itself.”
Produced by genre veterans James Wan, Jason Blum, and original architect Oren Peli, Paranormal Activity 8 is scheduled to haunt theaters on May 21, 2027.
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Source: Polygon
