Bruckner Directs 'Smile 3'

Paramount has tapped David Bruckner to direct the third entry in the horror franchise 'Smile.' The studio simultaneously hired screenwriter Nick Antosca to pen the screenplay.

Parker Finn, who wrote and directed the first two films, is stepping back from the director's chair for this installment. He will remain attached to the project as a producer alongside Temple Hill. Finn pitched the initial framework for the movie, and Jonathan Fass will serve as an executive producer.

Bruckner brings a slate of recent horror credits to the role. His previous work includes the 2022 'Hellraiser' reboot, the 2017 thriller 'The Ritual,' and the 2020 film 'The Night House.' He is currently in high demand for genre projects. He is developing a reboot of 'The Blob' for Warner Bros. and writing Universal's adaptation of 'The Caretaker,' which stars Sydney Sweeney. He is also slated to direct 'Mice' for A24.

Antosca is known for his work in television and film. He created Apple's 'Cape Fear' and co-created Hulu's 'The Act.' He also wrote the 2021 horror film 'Antlers' and the recent Colleen Hoover adaptation 'Verity.'

Plot details for the new movie have not been released. The first film featured Sosie Bacon as a therapist haunted by hallucinations. The second installment, released in 2024, starred Naomi Scott as a pop singer experiencing disturbing events on tour. Because the series functions as a collection of standalone sequels with new leads, the cast for the third film remains uncertain.

The franchise has become a commercial success despite a modest budget for the sequel. The original 2022 film earned $105 million domestically and $217 million globally. 'Smile 2' grossed $69 million domestically and $139 million worldwide against a $28 million budget. The two films have generated more than $350 million in global box office revenue.

Finn continues to work closely with Paramount under a first-look deal signed after the first film's theatrical pivot. He is currently directing a remake of the 1981 supernatural thriller 'Possession.' The new film stars Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley. It is scheduled for release on June 11, 2027.