Movies
IFC Teams With Alan Spencer To Produce ‘Dexter’ Rip-Off?
IFC, who showed they actually care about genre fans when they started their ‘IFC Midnight’ label (Human Centipede is terrible, but people wanted to see it, and they made it available rather quickly; if anything, that’s smart business), just released their series development slate, with one entry sticking out like a sore thumb. Working with Alan Spencer (Sledge Hammer!), the company is developing an “as yet untitled action series about a psychotic criminal trying to juggle the demands of violence and an active social life.” In other words, they’re possibly remaking Dexter. I’d like to think a notable independent studio and sought-after script doctor are smarter than that, but the series do share striking similarities in the premise department. Spencer’s sensibilities are more comedic than anything the Jeff Lindsay inspired series could come up with, so it could actually prove to be a weirdly (great) hybrid of laughs and serial killer sentiment.
“Tell Me Lies” actor Sonia Mena is joining the recently announced Chase Yi on Paramount and Blumhouse’s new Paranormal Activity movie, Deadline reports this afternoon.
Ian Tuason (Undertone) will direct the eighth installment in the Paranormal Activity film franchise, set to release in theaters May 21, 2027.
Plot and character details remain tightly guarded at this stage, but the original Paranormal Activity, created by Oren Peli, first hit theaters in 2007. Its groundbreaking minimalist approach to found-footage ghost stories has spawned a seven-film franchise that’s grossed nearly $900 million worldwide.
It followed a couple terrorized by a strange presence shortly after moving into their suburban home.
While we wait for further news on plot or whether the demonic Toby will reappear, Tuason previously revealed to Bloody Disgusting that technology will play a huge role in his vision: “Technology — camera technology — has advanced to a point where it’s become a big part of the film and what I want to do there.”
That brings this project full circle for Tuason, as it was the original Paranormal Activity that inspired the filmmaker’s haunting debut, undertone.
Franchise originator Oren Peli will produce for Solana Films, with James Wan and Jason Blum producing for Blumhouse Atomic Monster. Michael Clear and Judson Scott will exec produce for Blumhouse Atomic, with Alayna Glasthal overseeing the project for the company. Other exec producers include Steven Schneider for Room 101, Inc., Dan Slater and Cody Calahan.
While we wait to learn more, a Paranormal Activity stage play arrives this summer.