‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 3’ Script Now Being Written by Gary Dauberman

The nightmare isn’t over just yet. Five Nights at Freddy’s 3 is officially moving forward, and the next chapter in the blockbuster horror franchise has found its screenwriter.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, acclaimed horror writer Gary Dauberman (IT, The Nun, Salem’s Lot, Until Dawn) has signed on to pen the screenplay for Five Nights at Freddy’s 3.

The report also states that Emma Tammi, who directed the first two films, is expected to return to helm the third installment, while franchise creator Scott Cawthon will once again serve as a producer.

Casting details have yet to be officially confirmed, though The Hollywood Reporter notes that stars Josh Hutcherson, Piper Rubio, and Elizabeth Lail are expected to return for the sequel.

The announcement comes after Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 became another major box office success, pulling in $238 million worldwide and cementing the franchise as one of horror’s biggest theatrical hits.

Recent rumors suggested that David Robert Mitchell (It Follows) had been hired to write the third film after comments made by franchise star Skeet Ulrich sparked speculation. However, those reports were based on a simple mix-up. Ulrich later clarified that he meant the writer of IT—Gary Dauberman—not the writer-director of It Follows.

With Dauberman now officially attached and the creative team largely returning, Five Nights at Freddy’s 3 is shaping up to continue the franchise’s winning streak.

The upcoming sequel is being developed by Blumhouse, Atomic Monster, and Universal Pictures. More details, including a release date and returning cast, are expected in the coming months.