Shively

Since the report that Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost may be returning to direct the next installment, Paramount has still kept Paranormal Activity 4 under very tight lock and key. All we really know is that it will revolve around Katie, Kristi, and the newly-named demon Toby. Other than that, everything seems to be up in the air…including whether or not the film will make its annual October premiere. Now, it seems the film is still in casting as a new report pegs a former Nickelodeon star to be the first all-new cast member in the horror franchise’s follow-up.

Bloody Disgusting reports that Matt Shively is in talks to joinParanormal Activity 4 as a character named Alex. No details are given on either the plot nor the role, but it’s said that Shively would “head the relatively unknown cast”. It’s unclear whether or not this makes him a new main character, but one idea previously tossed around is that the fourth film could take place during Kristi and Katie’s teenage years previously mentioned…and Shively certainly has the look of “teenage boyfriend” material if the story demands.

A teaser trailer may premiere during Comic-Con in just a few weeks, just as the third film debuted its first teaser last year, but with casting obviously still in effect it seems highly unlikely. Furthermore, with Paramount’s delays in various films the studio is looking to not even show up at the big event this year. It’s unclear if the film has already moved into production and the casting is just leaking out now, or that Shively is simply in talks at this point.

With four months to go until the film’s release, you have to wonder whether or not the film will be delivered on time. With a near billion dollar franchise in both worldwide box office and home release, the Paranormal Activity films have always been kept very quiet and don’t take much of a budget given it’s home-shot appeal. But with Paramount delaying three films recently, it’s clear the studio doesn’t want to announce a fourth member to that list.

Shively is best known for his television roles on Nickelodeon as he’s starred in the live-action series True Jackson V.P., and The Troop. Both series were axed by the network due to failure to ratings, and Shively has since stuck to voice acting on Nick’s animated series Winx Club.

Paranormal Activity 4, starring at least Katie Featherston, is scheduled to open on October 19th.