David Bruckner to Helm 'Smile 3' for Paramount

David Bruckner has been tapped to direct "Smile 3," the highly anticipated continuation of the popular horror series. This news arrives as the franchise prepares to expand its chilling narrative, building on the success of its predecessors. Bruckner's involvement promises a fresh perspective on the terrifying world established by original creator Parker Finn, who will transition into a producing role for this installment.

The announcement confirms that Nick Antosca will be penning the screenplay for the third film. Parker Finn, the visionary behind the first two "Smile" movies, developed the foundational concept for this next chapter and will remain actively engaged as a producer, alongside executive producer Jonathan Fass. Finn's previous work on the franchise propelled it to significant commercial success, with the first two films collectively earning over $350 million globally.

Bruckner brings a strong background in the horror genre to "Smile 3," having previously directed the 2022 "Hellraiser" reboot for Hulu, as well as critically acclaimed films like "The Night House" and "The Ritual." His upcoming projects also include "The Caretaker" for Universal Pictures, an adaptation featuring Sydney Sweeney, and "Mice" for A24, in addition to writing and developing a remake of "The Blob."

Parker Finn previously secured a first-look agreement with Paramount Pictures in 2023. He is also currently directing Paramount's remake of "Possession," which stars Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley and is slated for release in June 2027. In a past discussion with The Hollywood Reporter following the debut of "Smile 2," Finn expressed his aspirations for the franchise's trajectory.

He articulated his vision for future iterations, stating that the "Smile" universe has the potential to become even grander, more outlandish, and increasingly unsettling. Finn emphasized that despite any expansion of the cinematic world, the core of the storytelling must retain its deeply human and character-driven intimacy, ensuring that the narratives continue to resonate powerfully on an emotional level with audiences.

The "Smile" franchise has proven to be a formidable force in the horror genre, with its inaugural film achieving the highest box office gross for an original horror movie in 2022. The series' consistent ability to captivate audiences and deliver a unique blend of psychological terror and suspense has cemented its place as a significant player in contemporary horror cinema, setting high expectations for Bruckner's forthcoming contribution.