Smile 3 is officially moving forward with David Bruckner directing and Nick Antosca writing the screenplay. Parker Finn, who made the first two films, remains involved as a producer after developing the story framework. Paramount has not announced the cast, filming date, plot details, or exact release date yet either.
What Is the Latest Smile 3 Update?
Image © Deadline / Invision
Variety exclusively reported that Paramount Pictures has hired David Bruckner to direct Smile 3, with Nick Antosca writing the screenplay. Parker Finn, who created the franchise and directed the first two films, remains involved as a producer after developing the story framework. Plot details, cast, filming dates, and a release date have not been announced.
Who Are Smile 3’s New Director and Writer?
Paramount hired David Bruckner to direct the third installment. Horror fans may know him from The Ritual, The Night House, and the 2022 Hellraiser. Nick Antosca, whose credits include Brand New Cherry Flavor, Antlers, and Cape Fear, is writing the new movie. Finn is stepping away from directing but is still working closely with the project as a producer.
- New director: Bruckner takes over from director Parker Finn for the third movie.
- New writer: Antosca is handling the screenplay, with no co-writer announced.
- Finn’s role: Finn pitched the story framework and will remain involved as a producer.
- Production team: Temple Hill is producing, while Jonathan Fass serves as executive producer.
- No release date: Paramount has not announced when Smile 3 will reach theaters.
- No cast yet: Naomi Scott, who played pop singer Skye Riley in Smile 2, and Sosie Bacon from the first film have not been confirmed to return.
What Has Parker Finn Said About Where the Smile Franchise Could Go Next?
Finn has shared a broad vision for the franchise without revealing the plot of Smile 3. He said, “There’s a lot of really exciting places that Smile could go to from here.” He also said future stories could become “bigger and more off the rails and even crazier and more unhinged,” while still keeping a personal focus.
- Human story: Finn said Smile should keep a “real human, character-driven, intimate nature” even if the horror grows larger.
- Third-film mystery: The next story, main characters, and setting remain under wraps.
- Franchise future: Deadline described Smile 3 as a “trilogy-completing film,” but Paramount has not said the franchise ends here.
- Box office: The first Smile earned about $217 million worldwide, while Smile 2 earned about $139 million.
- Finn’s next project: Finn is directing Paramount’s Possession remake starring Margaret Qualley and Callum Turner, scheduled for June 11, 2027.
Final Thoughts
Smile 3 is officially moving forward as the next horror film in the franchise, with director David Bruckner taking over and franchise creator Parker Finn staying involved as a producer. The sequel still has no announced cast, plot, or release date, so horror fans will need to stay tuned for Paramount’s next update.
FAQs
Yes, Smile 3 is officially in development, with David Bruckner directing and Nick Antosca writing the screenplay.
Smile 2 was a box-office success, earning about $139 million worldwide against a reported $28 million budget.
Paramount has not announced a release date for Smile 3.
There is no indication that Smile 3 will be a prequel, and its plot details are still being kept secret.
The exact story has not been revealed, but Parker Finn developed the framework and has said future Smile stories could become bigger while keeping the franchise’s character-driven horror at the center.