Paramount makes surprise announcement: the fat lady hasn't sung yet for “PA” franchise

Jan 3, 2012 10:41 GMT  ·  By

Even though the events in last year's “Paranormal Activity 3” seemed to hint that a fourth film would be impossible to make (at least, not with the same characters), Paramount Pictures has just confirmed that it will be made this year.

Launched in 2009, the “PA” franchise has been one of the most successful horror franchises of all times, especially since neither of the 3 movies made so far required a huge budget to make.

The third installment dropped in 2011, taking the story started in the first film to the origins, in a bid to explain how the characters came to be haunted by the evil spirit.

As we also noted back then, because of the original way in which the story evolved, it seemed impossible to make a fourth film with the same characters but, it would appear, Paramount doesn't agree.

In a statement to ShockTillYouDrop, the movie studio confirms a fourth film but refuses to unveil more details about it.

Said statement is basically an announcement of the films to come from Paramount.

“In 2012, Paramount’s release slate highlights include 'World War Z,' a zombie thriller starring Brad Pitt and directed by Marc Forster, 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation,' the next installment in the global franchise starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Channing Tatum, a new chapter in the 'Paranormal Activity' franchise, and 'The Dictator,' starring Sacha Baron Cohen and directed by Larry Charles, the team behind 'Borat',” the press release reads.

Mentioning “PA” next to “World War Z” and “Dictator” means the horror movie has already started shooting and might even be in post-production, depending on what release date Paramount has in mind for it.

Either way, it's a given that a fourth film is happening. Fans of the franchise are already debating on whether 3 installments would have been enough or not.

One thing is certain: while fans believe the concept is starting to become lackluster because it's no longer novel, some critics are already saying that the franchise should have ended with the second installment.