Smile 3 Taps David Bruckner to Direct, Nick Antosca to Write as Parker Finn Moves to Possession Remake

Paramount Pictures is moving forward with Smile 3, hiring David Bruckner to direct and Nick Antosca to write the screenplay. They replace Parker Finn, who created the horror franchise and directed the first two films, which grossed over $400 million worldwide combined. Finn will remain involved as a producer alongside Temple Hill and pitched the framework for the third installment. Meanwhile, Finn is set to helm a remake of the 1981 psychological horror film Possession. Bruckner is known for directing The Night House and Hellraiser, while Antosca created the series Channel Zero and Brand New Cherry Flavor. The Smile franchise has been a rare original horror hit in recent years, and this creative shift signals Paramount's intent to keep the series fresh while expanding its horror slate with Finn's next project.