David Bruckner to Direct Smile 3 for Paramount, Nick Antosca Writing
Parker Finn, who created the horror franchise, pitched the framework for the third film and stays on as producer, according to Variety.
Paramount has set David Bruckner to direct Smile 3 and Nick Antosca to write the screenplay, according to Variety. Plot details for the third installment have not been revealed.
Parker Finn, who created the franchise, pitched the framework for the third film and will remain involved as a producer.
Finn is separately directing a remake of the 1981 supernatural thriller Possession for the studio. That film stars Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley and is set for release on June 11, 2027.
Franchise history
Finn wrote and directed Smile in 2022, which earned $105 million domestically and $217 million globally. He returned for Smile 2 in 2024, which earned $69 million domestically and $139 million globally against a $28 million budget.
The franchise, produced by Temple Hill, has earned more than $350 million worldwide. Finn signed a first-look deal with Paramount after the first film became a theatrical success.
Bruckner directed the 2022 Hellraiser reboot, 2017's The Ritual and 2020's The Night House. He is also developing a Blob reboot for Warner Bros., Universal's The Caretaker starring Sydney Sweeney, and is set to direct Mice for A24.
Quick answers
Who is directing Smile 3?
David Bruckner is directing Smile 3, from a screenplay by Nick Antosca.
Is Parker Finn involved in Smile 3?
Yes. Finn, who created the franchise, pitched the framework for the third film and remains involved as a producer.
When does Parker Finn's Possession remake come out?
The remake of the 1981 supernatural thriller, starring Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley, is set for June 11, 2027.