‘Smile 3’ Taps ‘Hellraiser’ Director David Bruckner Amid Parker Finn’s Absence
Paramount has announced a third Smile film, with David Bruckner set to direct and Nick Antosca writing the screenplay. Parker Finn, who wrote and directed the first two films, is not directing this instalment because he is working on Paramount’s Possession remake, but he developed and pitched the trilogy’s concluding story.
Bruckner’s credits include Hellraiser and The Night House, while Finn will produce with Temple Hill; Jonathan Fass is executive producer. The original Smile starred Sosie Bacon as a doctor haunted by a supernatural entity, and the 2024 sequel followed pop star Skye Riley, played by Naomi Scott. The first film was the highest-grossing original horror film of 2022, and the sequel helped the franchise pass $350 million in worldwide earnings.
In short
- David Bruckner will direct Smile 3.
- Nick Antosca is writing the screenplay.
- Parker Finn remains involved as a producer.
Explained simply
The Smile films are supernatural horror stories about people who encounter an entity linked to traumatic experiences. The first film followed a doctor played by Sosie Bacon; its 2024 sequel centred on a pop star, played by Naomi Scott.
Parker Finn created and directed both films, while David Bruckner has directed other horror films, including Hellraiser and The Night House. Nick Antosca is writing the new screenplay, and Finn is producing after developing the story for the trilogy’s planned conclusion.
The franchise has earned more than $350 million worldwide, giving the studio a successful series to continue. The change in director means a new filmmaker will shape the next instalment, while Finn remains involved behind the scenes.
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