Horror fans, brace yourselves: the Smile franchise is getting a third installment, but there's a twist that might wipe the grin off your face. Paramount has officially greenlit Smile 3, yet the twisted mind behind the first two films, Parker Finn, won't be returning to write or direct. Instead, the studio has tapped David Bruckner to take the helm, according to an exclusive from Variety.
Finn, who wrote and directed both Smile (2022) and Smile 2 (2024), is stepping away from the director's chair to focus on another project: a remake of Andrzej Żuławski's 1981 cult classic Possession. That film, set for release on June 11, 2027, will star Margaret Qualley (The Substance) and Callum Turner, with a supporting ensemble that includes Diego Calva, Madeline Brewer, Emory Cohen, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, and Paul Dano. Finn is reportedly still working closely with Paramount on the Smile franchise, but his directorial duties lie elsewhere.
So who is David Bruckner? He's no stranger to horror. Bruckner directed the 2022 Hellraiser reboot, 2017's The Ritual, and 2020's The Night House. He's also attached to Warner Bros.' remake of The Blob and Universal's adaptation of The Caretaker, which will star Sydney Sweeney. With Bruckner at the helm, Smile 3 is in experienced hands, though fans will surely miss Finn's signature style.
The screenplay for Smile 3 will be written by Nick Antosca, creator of Apple TV's Cape Fear, with Jonathan Fass serving as executive producer. Plot details are still under wraps, but given the franchise's trajectory, expect another round of terrifying, smile-induced mayhem.
The first two Smile films have been a massive success for Paramount. Both earned widespread critical acclaim, chilled audiences to the bone, and collectively grossed over $350 million worldwide. The original followed therapist Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) as she grappled with a malevolent entity that manifests through a creepy smile, while the sequel shifted focus to pop star Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) as she faced her own demonic torment. A third film was inevitable, but Finn's departure raises questions about the franchise's future direction.
While Finn won't be directing Smile 3, his Possession remake is already generating buzz. The original Possession, starring Isabelle Adjani in a career-defining performance, is a misunderstood cult classic that has gained a devoted following over the decades. With Finn at the helm and a talented cast, it could be one of the most intriguing horror projects on the horizon.
For now, horror fans have plenty to look forward to. The genre is experiencing a modern golden age, with 2026 already delivering standout films like Sam Raimi's Send Help, Adam Scott's Hokum, Nia DaCosta's 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and Curry Barker's breakout Obsession. And with Smile 3 on the way, the nightmare isn't over yet.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on Smile 3 and all your favorite horror franchises. In the meantime, you can catch up on other exciting developments, like Ridley Scott's new Alien sequel or the latest on a potential Reacher spinoff. And if you're a fan of Smile 2 star Ray Nicholson, check out his recent comments about wanting in on Taylor Sheridan's Call of Duty movie.
