If you can’t beat them, join them.

In an ironic twist of fate that would make Jigsaw proud, Saw 6 director Kevin Greutert has been hired by Paramount Pictures to helm the sequel to Oren Peli’s surprise blockbuster hit Paranormal Activity. Produced by Peli and Jason Blum, Paranormal Activity 2 (title may change) will once again go mano-a-mano with the Saw franchise on Oct. 22.

(UPDATE: Greutert will not direct Paranormal Activity 2. Lionsgate is enforcing a clause in his contract to bring him back to direct Saw 7. Read the full story here)

Greutert writes on his blog MyTorturePorn:

Never, EVER, mention “Blair Witch 2:  Book of Shadows” in my presence, lest I cease all diplomatic relations with you forthwith.

The editor-turned director has reason to be nervous about his new project. Aside from having Saw 6, his feature film debut, stall at the box office with a mere $31 million last October, Greutert must now deal with skeptics who view the Activity sequel as nothing more than a money-grab.

Peli, who wrote and directed the original Activity film for $15, 000 at his home, believes Greutert and screenwriter Michael R. Perry will deliver the goods.

He tells the Hollywood Reporter:

These guys get it, and the fans won’t be disappointed.

If Saw 6 is any indication, I think Greutert’s involvement in the Paranormal Activity sequel can only make it better. Saw 6 was the best entry in the Saw series since Saw 3 and clearly showcased Greutert’s talents for creating whiteknuckle horror (See review here). It’s a shame the suits at Lionsgate rehired Saw 5 (the worse in the series) director David Hackl for this year’s Saw 7.

Peli, meanwhile, is currently at work on a docu-style alien-thriller entitled Area 51.