‘Paranormal Activity’ Franchise Makes Its Stage Debut”

In an unexpected twist for the world of found footage horror, the iconic Paramount horror movie series, ‘Paranormal Activity,’ is making its way to the stage. According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter (THR), Simon Friend, a seasoned producer renowned for bringing ‘Life of Pi’ to Broadway, has secured the license for the Paramount horror series with plans to adapt it for the West End under his company, Simon Friend Entertainment.

The stage play adaptation of ‘Paranormal Activity’ is currently in the early stages of development and will be written by Levi Holloway, known for his work on ‘Grey House.’

The original ‘Paranormal Activity’ film, released in 2007 and written and directed by Oren Peli, marked the inception of the found footage horror genre. Made on a shoestring budget, the film went on to gross an impressive $193.4 million worldwide, effectively launching a successful franchise that continues to thrive. The most recent installment, ‘Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin,’ was released in 2021 on Paramount+. Cumulatively, the ‘Paranormal Activity’ movies have raked in nearly $900 million at the box office, according to THR.

The inaugural film follows the story of Katie (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Sloat), a couple disturbed by eerie supernatural occurrences in their new suburban home. Desperate to capture evidence of these phenomena, they set up video cameras throughout their house, unwittingly unleashing a series of terrifying events.

With seven films in the main series and an additional non-canon spinoff titled ‘Paranormal Activity 2: Tokyo Night,’ the franchise is synonymous with homes besieged by malevolent forces, all presented within the found footage framework. While specific plot details for the stage play adaptation are still under wraps, it’s a safe bet that the ominous presence of demons will feature prominently.

Simon Friend is no stranger to adapting films into stage plays, having successfully brought titles like ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ to both Broadway and the West End. His adaptation of ‘Life of Pi’ on Broadway garnered an impressive five Olivier Awards and three Tony Awards.

While the transition of found footage horror to the West End stage is an intriguing prospect, fans of horror can also look forward to an upcoming stage musical adaptation of the horror-comedy ‘Teeth,’ set to arrive early next year, offering a unique theatrical experience to tide them over.