The terrifying Smile franchise is preparing to return with another chapter, and horror fans have plenty of reasons to be excited. Following the success of Smile (2022) and Smile 2 (2024), Paramount Pictures is moving forward with Smile 3, the next installment in its popular supernatural horror franchise.
The upcoming movie is already attracting attention because of major changes behind the scenes. David Bruckner has joined the project as director, while Nick Antosca is set to write the screenplay. Meanwhile, franchise creator Parker Finn will remain involved as a producer and has developed the story framework for the third movie.
Although many details remain secret, the ending of Smile 2 has left audiences wondering how far the mysterious entity can go and whether its terrifying curse could spread to thousands of people.
Here is everything we know about Smile 3, including its director, writer, potential storyline, cast possibilities, production updates and expected release date.
Smile 3: Latest News and Movie Details
Smile 3 is the third planned installment in Paramount Pictures' supernatural horror franchise. The project continues the story of an entity that torments its victims through disturbing hallucinations, psychological manipulation and terrifying smiles.
The latest creative-team announcement confirms David Bruckner as director and Nick Antosca as screenwriter. Parker Finn, who created and directed the first two movies, remains connected to the franchise as a producer.
Here are the main details currently available:
- Movie Title: Smile 3
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Director: David Bruckner
- Screenwriter: Nick Antosca
- Story Framework: Parker Finn
- Producer: Parker Finn
- Production Company: Temple Hill Entertainment
- Release Date: Not announced
- Cast: Not announced
- Filming Schedule: Not announced
- Official Trailer: Not released
The project is still developing, so additional information about the story and cast is expected as production moves forward.
David Bruckner Takes Over as Director
One of the biggest developments surrounding Smile 3 is the appointment of David Bruckner as director.
Bruckner is known for his work in the horror genre, particularly films that combine supernatural elements with psychological tension. His filmmaking credits include The Ritual (2017), The Night House (2020), and Hellraiser (2022).
His experience with atmospheric horror makes him an interesting choice for the next chapter of the Smile franchise.
Although Parker Finn established the visual identity and storytelling style of the previous movies, Bruckner could introduce a different approach while maintaining the disturbing atmosphere audiences expect.
His involvement also raises questions about how the third movie will expand the mythology of the mysterious entity.
Nick Antosca Will Write the Smile 3 Screenplay
Another important addition to the creative team is screenwriter Nick Antosca.
Antosca has developed a reputation for creating unsettling stories and exploring dark psychological themes. His previous work includes Channel Zero, The Act, Antlers and Brand New Cherry Flavor.
His experience with horror and psychological storytelling could be particularly valuable for a franchise built around fear, trauma and supernatural manipulation.
Antosca will work from a story framework developed by Parker Finn, maintaining a creative connection with the filmmaker responsible for the first two installments.
Will Parker Finn Return for Smile 3?
Parker Finn is one of the most important figures behind the Smile franchise. He wrote and directed both previous movies, introducing audiences to the mysterious supernatural entity and its terrifying method of attacking victims.
Although Finn will not direct the third installment, he remains involved as a producer and has developed the story framework.
His continued participation is significant because the franchise's mythology and storytelling were originally established under his direction.
The change in director does not necessarily mean the third movie will abandon the ideas introduced in the previous installments. Instead, it could provide an opportunity to explore those ideas from a different creative perspective.
What Could Smile 3 Be About?
The official storyline of Smile 3 has not been revealed. However, the ending of Smile 2 offers several possibilities for the next chapter.
The second movie follows Skye Riley, a famous pop star played by Naomi Scott. After witnessing a disturbing incident, Skye becomes the latest target of the supernatural entity.
As the story progresses, her life becomes increasingly terrifying as the entity manipulates her perception of reality.
The movie concludes with a shocking concert sequence in which the entity takes control of Skye, leading to her death in front of a massive audience.
This ending could have enormous consequences for the franchise.
Unlike the previous victims, whose deaths were generally witnessed by relatively small numbers of people, Skye's final moments take place in front of thousands of concertgoers.
Could the entity use this event to spread its curse to a much larger number of people?
One possible direction for Smile 3 is a supernatural outbreak involving multiple victims. The movie could explore the consequences of the concert incident and introduce a new protagonist attempting to understand the entity.
Another possibility is that the third installment will reveal more about the creature's origins, its powers and the rules governing its curse.
These ideas remain speculation, as Paramount has not confirmed the official plot.
Will Naomi Scott Return in Smile 3?
Naomi Scott delivered a memorable performance as Skye Riley in Smile 2. Her portrayal of a successful musician struggling with psychological and supernatural terror became one of the movie's biggest highlights.
However, her involvement in Smile 3 has not been officially confirmed.
The ending of the second film makes her character's return uncertain, although flashbacks, hallucinations or other narrative possibilities could potentially allow previous characters to appear again.
Fans may also hope to see Sosie Bacon return as Rose Cotter, the protagonist of the original Smile.
At this stage, no returning actors or new cast members have been officially announced.
Smile and Smile 2: Box Office Success
The financial performance of the first two movies demonstrates the popularity of the franchise.
The original Smile, released in September 2022, became a major theatrical success. Made on an estimated production budget of approximately $17 million, the movie earned around $217 million worldwide.
The sequel, Smile 2, arrived in October 2024 and expanded the franchise with a larger story and a new central character. It earned approximately $138 million worldwide against an estimated production budget of $28 million.
Together, the two movies generated approximately $355 million in worldwide theatrical box-office revenue.
Their commercial success helped establish Smile as a recognizable modern horror franchise and provided a strong foundation for another installment.
Why Is the Smile Franchise So Popular?
One of the reasons the Smile movies have attracted so much attention is their unusual approach to supernatural horror.
The films transform something normally associated with happiness into a disturbing image. The unnatural smiles of the victims create an unsettling atmosphere that stays with viewers long after the movies end.
The franchise also explores psychological themes such as trauma, grief, guilt and emotional suffering.
Rather than relying entirely on traditional horror sequences, the movies frequently make audiences question what is real and what is happening inside the characters' minds.
The mysterious entity is another important element. Its origins and full capabilities remain unexplained, leaving plenty of opportunities for future stories.
When Will Smile 3 Be Released?
As of November 3, 2026, Paramount Pictures has not announced an official theatrical release date for Smile 3.
Although the project has a director and screenwriter attached, there is no confirmed filming schedule or production completion date.
Consequently, claims suggesting that the movie will arrive in 2027 or 2028 should be treated as predictions rather than official announcements.
Horror fans will have to wait for Paramount Pictures to reveal more information about production and distribution.
Final Thoughts: What to Expect From Smile 3
Smile 3 has the potential to take the franchise in an exciting new direction. With David Bruckner directing, Nick Antosca writing and Parker Finn remaining involved as a producer, the upcoming installment has an experienced horror creative team.
The ending of Smile 2 also leaves several fascinating possibilities for the next story, particularly the consequences of Skye Riley's final concert.
Whether the third movie introduces a worldwide supernatural outbreak, reveals more about the entity or follows a completely new character, expectations are high.
For now, fans will have to wait for official announcements about the cast, storyline, filming schedule and release date.
One thing is certain: the terrifying smile may not be finished with audiences yet.
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