The Smile franchise is changing hands. Paramount has hired David Bruckner to direct Smile 3, with Nick Antosca writing the screenplay, according to Variety. Franchise creator Parker Finn, who directed and wrote the first two films, pitched the story framework and will serve as a producer on the third chapter.
Bruckner brings a strong track record in studio horror. His credits include the 2022 Hellraiser reboot, The Night House (2020), and The Ritual (2017). He has several projects in development: a The Blob reboot for Warner Bros., The Caretaker for Universal opposite Sydney Sweeney, and A24's Mice.
Antosca is a seasoned genre writer. He co-created Hulu's The Act and Apple TV+'s Cape Fear, and penned Antlers (2021) and the Verity screenplay, which earned $163 million worldwide.
Finn's shift has a clear destination: he is directing a remake of the 1981 psychological horror film Possession for Paramount. That film stars Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley and is scheduled for theaters on June 11, 2027.
No cast, plot, or release date has been announced for Smile 3. The first film earned $217 million worldwide on a $17 million budget; Smile 2 followed with $138 million on a $28 million budget.
