(Image courtesy of Skydance)
The original horror breakout "Smile" came out of nowhere four years ago, turning its lean $17 million budget into more than $217 million worldwide. Paramount Pictures quickly followed up two years later with "Smile 2." Reviews remained strong, though the sequel’s global haul dipped to $138 million. The studio is not walking away from the franchise, however: a third installment is reportedly moving forward and expected to begin production soon.
(Image courtesy of Deadline)
Entertainment reporter Daniel Richtman recently reported on Patreon that Paramount has greenlit the third film. Parker Finn, who wrote and directed the first two installments, will not return to direct. Instead, David Bruckner (pictured above), who helmed the 2022 "Hellraiser" reboot, is taking over. Variety added that the new movie will still be based on Finn’s previously pitched story for "Smile 3."
Fellow entertainment reporter Jeff Sneider reported back in March 2026 that Finn was unlikely to direct "Smile 3," and that has now apparently been confirmed.
via： Daniel Richtman Variety