Insidious: Patrick Wilson to Direct Fifth Installment

Patrick Wilson is returning to the Insidious franchise, but not just to star in the next entry. Wilson will also be making his directorial debut with the horror franchise’s fifth installment. The news came earlier today out of the very first BlumFest. The digital event features panels that focus on Blumhouse’s upcoming projects.

Among expected panels for Halloween Kills and The Craft: Legacy, this announcement comes as a surprise. The last film in the series, 2018’s Insidious: The Last Key, tied into the first movie towards the end. But Wilson hasn’t played a major role since 2013’s Insidious 2. The third movie in the series was a prequel and therefore didn’t see him or any other members of the Lambert family return. However, the franchise has collectively brought in over $540 million worldwide. Wilson returning and directing may be a surprise, but another entry isn’t.

Rose Byrne and Patrick Wilson in Insidious (2011)

Wilson is directing from a script written by Scott Teems (Halloween Kills), which is based on a story from series co-creator Leigh Whanell. It will pick up on the Lambert family 10 years after their last chronological appearance. It will follow eldest son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) as he prepares to leave for college. There were no other casting announcements or story details given. Though, Wilson expressed his immense excitement:

I’m honored and thrilled to be at the helm of the next Insidious installment, which will provide an amazing chance to unpack everything the Lamberts went through a decade ago, as well as deal with the consequences of their choices. Directing the movie is both professionally and personally a full circle moment for me, and I am extremely grateful to be entrusted in continuing to tell this frightening and haunting story. Into the further we go…”

Franchise creators Whanell and James Wan are returning to produce alongside Oren Peli (Paranormal Activity). Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (Upgrade) and Steven Schneider (Split) will executive produce.