Bruckner Takes Helm for 'Smile 3' as Franchise Passes $350 Million

Paramount Pictures has finalized the leadership team for the third installment of its horror franchise, naming David Bruckner as director and Nick Antosca as screenwriter for 'Smile 3.' The studio made the announcement on Wednesday, signaling a transition in the creative process for a series that has generated substantial box office returns since its inception.

Bruckner, known for his work on the 2022 'Hellraiser' reboot and the 2020 film 'The Night House,' takes over from series creator Parker Finn. Finn, who wrote and directed the first two movies, will step back from the director's chair but remains involved as a producer. He will work alongside Temple Hill on the project and has already pitched the framework for the upcoming film. Jonathan Fass is listed as an executive producer for the venture.

The new director is currently managing a full slate of projects. In addition to 'Smile 3,' Bruckner is writing and developing a reboot of 'The Blob' for Warner Bros. and directing 'Mice' for A24. He is also working on Universal's adaptation of 'The Caretaker,' a project starring Sydney Sweeney. Antosca, who will write the screenplay, created the Apple miniseries 'Cape Fear' and co-created Hulu's 'The Act.' His recent writing credits include the 2021 horror film 'Antlers' and the 2023 adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel 'Verity.'

No plot details for the third movie have been released. The franchise operates on a standalone model where each sequel introduces a new protagonist and story. The 2022 debut featured Sosie Bacon as a therapist haunted by a patient's death, while the 2024 follow-up starred Naomi Scott as a pop singer facing disturbing events during a tour. Because the films are not continuous narratives, the cast for the latest entry remains undetermined.

The decision to bring in new creative voices follows the commercial performance of the previous two films. The original 'Smile' earned $105 million domestically and $217 million globally. The 2024 sequel earned $69 million domestically and $139 million worldwide against a production budget of $28 million. Together, the two films have grossed more than $350 million at the global box office.

Parker Finn continues his partnership with Paramount under a first-look deal signed after the initial theatrical success of the franchise. He is currently directing a remake of the 1981 supernatural thriller 'Possession.' That film stars Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley and is scheduled for a release on June 11, 2027.