‘Smile 3’ Moves Forward With David Bruckner Directing and Nick Antosca Writing

Paramount is moving forward with Smile 3, bringing in a new creative team to lead the next chapter of its hit horror franchise. According to Variety, David Bruckner (The Night House, Hellraiser) will direct the third installment, while Nick Antosca (Channel Zero, Brand New Cherry Flavor) has been tapped to write the screenplay.

Franchise creator Parker Finn, who wrote and directed 2022’s Smile and its 2024 sequel Smile 2, will remain involved as a producer. Finn developed the initial framework for the third film but is currently focused on his upcoming remake of Possession, which Paramount plans to release in theaters on June 11, 2027.

What Could ‘Smile 3’ Be About?

Plot details for Smile 3 remain under wraps, but the franchise’s established mythology leaves plenty of room for another terrifying story.

Both previous films followed protagonists whose lives spiraled out of control after witnessing traumatic deaths involving people bearing sinister smiles. As the supernatural entity continued its cycle of psychological torment and violence, each story explored the devastating effects of trauma, grief, and fear.

The third installment is expected to continue the franchise’s central mythology, potentially introducing another unsuspecting victim whose life becomes entangled with the entity’s deadly curse. However, Paramount has yet to confirm any story details or announce casting.

Parker Finn’s Vision for the ‘Smile’ Franchise

Although Finn is stepping away from directing duties for the third film, his influence will remain central to the franchise’s future. In a previous interview discussing the possibility of Smile 3, the filmmaker emphasized the importance of maintaining the series’ personal approach to horror, even as its supernatural mythology expands.

Finn explained that the franchise could explore a variety of new directions while keeping its focus on intimate, character-driven storytelling. For him, the supernatural elements work best when they amplify the human suffering at the heart of each story.

That approach helped distinguish the original Smile from other supernatural horror films. Released in 2022, the movie became a major box office success, earning approximately $217 million worldwide. Its success paved the way for Smile 2, which expanded the mythology while maintaining the psychological horror that defined the original.

David Bruckner and Nick Antosca Take the Lead

Bruckner brings considerable horror experience to the project. His credits include The Ritual, The Night House, and the 2022 reboot of Hellraiser, demonstrating his experience with supernatural threats and unsettling genre storytelling.

Antosca also has an extensive background in horror and psychological thrillers. He developed the anthology series Channel Zero and worked on projects including Brand New Cherry Flavor, bringing experience with disturbing imagery, unconventional narratives, and psychologically complex characters.

Together, the pair will take the franchise in a new creative direction while Finn remains involved as a producer.

With Smile 3 officially moving forward, fans can expect more information about the sequel as development continues. For now, the film’s plot, cast, and release date remain unannounced.