A new Paranormal Activity movie is in development, with The Conjuring director James Wan on board as producer.

The horror films are based around homes that are haunted by a malevolent demon known as “Tobi”, who hunts down and terrorises members of each household.

The movies are presented as found footage, seen through the lens of security cameras. The 2007 original was a worldwide hit, made with a minuscule $15,000 (£11,245) budget, and led to six sequels. The most recent, Paranormal Activity: Next Of Kin, was released in 2021.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed that the project has come about through the merger of Wan’s production company, Atomic Monster, with horror studio Blumhouse, the producers of the Paranormal Activity movies as well as hits such as M3GAN and Five Nights At Freddy’s. No release date or casting details have been announced, but the film is said to be a “priority” for Blumhouse-Atomic Monster and distributor Paramount.

“I’ve been a huge admirer of Paranormal Activity since the brilliant first movie, with its creeping slow burn and subtle ability to make the unseen terrifying,” said Wan in a statement to the outlet. “I’m looking forward to expanding on its legacy and helping shape the next evolution of this scary found-footage franchise.”

“Diving in with James for this exciting rebirth of the franchise that started it all for Blumhouse is exactly what we dreamed of when we merged with Atomic Monster. I’ll be actively involved with him to introduce this new chapter,” said Blumhouse co-founder Jason Blum.

“Thankfully, we’re able to spend a little more than the $15,000 we had on the first movie, but one thing will remain the same – do not see it alone.”

As well as the Conjuring films, James Wan is known for his feature debut, 2000’s Saw, which kicked off a long-running franchise. The filmmaker will be returning to the series after Blumhouse acquired the rights to it, and recently promised the new sequels will be “embracing the original spirit”.