Paramount Taps David Bruckner to Direct Smile 3 as Parker Finn Focuses on Possession Remake

Paramount is moving forward with a third Smile film, and it’s bringing in a horror heavyweight to steer the franchise. David Bruckner, known for Hellraiser and The Night House, will direct Smile 3, the studio announced Wednesday. The screenplay is written by Nick Antosca, whose credits include Cape Fear and Brand New Cherry Flavor. Original creator Parker Finn, who wrote and directed the first two Smile movies, is stepping back from directing duties this time because he is currently working on Paramount’s remake of Possession. Finn remains involved in the franchise as a producer, ensuring continuity for the series that has become a modern horror phenomenon. The first Smile, released in 2022, was a surprise box office hit, grossing over $217 million worldwide on a $17 million budget. Its 2024 sequel, Smile 2, continued that success, cementing the franchise’s place in the genre. With Bruckner’s track record of atmospheric, dread-inducing horror and Antosca’s sharp writing, Smile 3 aims to keep fans grinning—and screaming. The film’s release date has not been announced, but anticipation is already building for the next chapter in the curse that won’t let go.