‘Smile 3’ Is Officially Happening, But There’s a Major Catch
Paramount has confirmed a third Smile film, extending the horror series whose first two films earned more than $350 million at the box office. The change is that original director Parker Finn will not direct the new instalment, as he is committed to another project.
David Bruckner has been hired to direct Smile 3, with Nick Antosca writing the screenplay and Jonathan Fass serving as executive producer. Bruckner’s previous work includes Hellraiser, The Ritual and The Night House; he is also attached to a remake of The Blob and an adaptation of The Caretaker.
In short
- Paramount has confirmed Smile 3.
- David Bruckner will direct, replacing Parker Finn.
- Nick Antosca is writing the screenplay.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Continuing Smile makes commercial sense: the first two films found a large audience, and a new director and writer could bring a fresh approach while preserving the series’ appeal. David Bruckner’s horror experience gives fans reason to expect a capable follow-up, even without Parker Finn at the helm.
The case against
Finn’s direction helped establish the series’ distinctive identity, so his absence could make a third film feel less cohesive or less compelling to existing fans. With the earlier films already successful, another instalment also risks prioritising franchise momentum over a story that feels necessary or original.
Explained simply
Smile is a supernatural horror series in which a frightening presence is linked to people who experience disturbing events and pass on a chilling smile. Its first two films helped establish it as a successful cinema franchise, taking more than $350 million at the box office combined.
Parker Finn directed the first two films. David Bruckner, whose previous work includes Hellraiser and The Night House, is a horror director; Nick Antosca is writing the screenplay, and Jonathan Fass is an executive producer. The change in director matters because each film’s style and story will depend on a new creative team.