Right now, the sequel to "Paranormal Activity" is setting sail without a captain. Kevin Geurtert was originally slated to be in the director's seat; that was before Lionsgate invoked a contractual obligation, and legally compelled him to helm "Saw VII" instead. Oren Peli, the director of the first film, was rumored to be being wooed back by Paramount. Today, the Los Angeles Times reported things have taken an even more surprising turn.

Brian DePalma, the director behind "Scarface", "Mission:Impossible", "The Untouchables", and "Dressed to Kill" is being considered to direct the horror sequel. It that sounds incredible, consider that Academy Award winner Akiva Goldsman, who adapted "DaVinci Code" and "Angels and Demons", was close to signing up as director.

DePalma's a frontrunner, but not a certainty yet. Brad Andersen, director of "Session 9" and "The Machinist" are also in the mix, ditto for Greg McLean-the helmer of "Rogue" and "Wolf Lake". Another unmentioned director or two might also be under consideration, but none bring to the project what DePalma does. Signing him would also be a massive PR, not to mention artistic coup, and would erase the humiliation of having their director stolen by a rival project. Then there's the extra shine of prestige, of having the "heir to Hitchcock" name on their project.

Nothing is official yet, so the 70 year old director is not yet directing "Paranormal Activity 2". Another Hollywood story that continues to develop.....