Leigh Whannell will once again write the script and James Wan is in talks to reprise his role as director. FilmDistrict will distribute in the US, while the project financier Alliance will release in Canada, the UK and Spain and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions will handle remaining territories.

Jason Blum will produce through Blumhouse Productions and Brian Kavanaugh Jones, Oren Peli and Steven Schneider will serve as executive producers.

The Insidious sequel is scheduled to go into production this year for a 2013 release. Plot details remain under wraps.

Insidiouswas the $1.5m production that starred Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne as parents whose boy becomes possessed by demons. FilmDistrict released it in the US and the horror film earned more than $155m at the worldwide box office.

“We are all so lucky to have James and Leigh return to this great franchise they created,” Blum said. “And of course we are all pleased to be back in business with our partners at Sony, FilmDistrict and Alliance Films.”  

“Insidious was a fantastic experience for all of us,” FilmDistrict CEO Peter Schlessel said. “We’re excited for James and Leigh to take the unique and terrifying world of Insidious ‘further’.  Sony, Alliance and the producers are great partners that will ensure the sequel exceeds all expectations.”