David Bruckner has been named director of ‘Smile 3,’ with Parker Finn stepping back to focus on a 1981 horror remake, according to multiple outlets. The decision follows the franchise’s box office success, with the first film earning $217 million globally.
David Bruckner, known for directing The Night House
and the 2022 “Hellraiser” reboot, has been tapped to helm “Smile 3,” Paramount’s upcoming horror sequel. Parker Finn is stepping back from creating the franchise to focus on directing a remake of Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 cult film "Possession," set for release in June 2027. The news was first reported by Variety and confirmed by multiple outlets, including Yahoo and Comic Basics.
'Smile 3' Sets David Bruckner to Direct While Franchise Creator Parker Finn Helms 'Possession' Remake (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/4WgubR1HVC
Bruckner’s Horror Credentials and the Franchise’s Growth
Bruckner’s appointment comes after a career in horror, including directing “The Ritual” and segments of the “V/H/S” anthology. His work on “Hellraiser” and The Night House
has established him as a genre veteran, with critics praising his ability to build tension without relying on cheap scares. The “Smile” franchise, which began with a 2022 film starring Sosie Bacon, has become a commercial success, grossing $217 million worldwide on a $17 million budget. The sequel, “Smile 2,” released in 2024, earned $138 million globally against a $28 million budget.
Finn, who wrote and directed the first two “Smile” films, has expressed excitement about the franchise’s potential. Even if the world gets much larger, I’d want to make sure that the stories we’re telling inside of it are still quite impactful on a human level.
Despite stepping back from directing “Smile 3,” Finn will remain involved as a producer, with the third film’s framework developed by him.
‘Smile 3’ is reportedly in the works.David Bruckner, who directed the ‘Hellraiser’ remake to takeover directing duties from franchise director Parker Finn.Via: @DanielRPK pic.twitter.com/hG0bPsxggs
Bruckner’s involvement in “Smile 3” was first reported by Daniel Richtman, with Dread Central independently verifying the claim. The director is also attached to other projects, including a remake of “The Blob” for Warner Bros. and Universal’s “The Caretaker,” starring Sydney Sweeney. His credits include the 2022 “Hellraiser” reboot, 2017’s “The Ritual,” and 2020’s The Night House.
Bruckner is repped by WME and Grandview, per sources.
‘Possession’ Remake and Finn’s New Venture
Finn’s upcoming “Possession” remake, starring Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley, is set to premiere on June 11, 2027. The original 1981 film, directed by Żuławski, is considered a singular horror classic, and Finn has described his approach as frenzied, manic ferocity
while retaining the source material’s essence. The project is part of a first-look deal with Paramount, which also oversees the “Smile” series.
David Bruckner (‘THE NIGHT HOUSE,’ ‘HELLRAISER’) is reportedly set to direct ‘SMILE 3’ for Paramount Pictures.Bruckner would step in for franchise creator Parker Finn, who is set to direct the upcoming ‘POSSESSION’ remake.(via: @DanielRPK) pic.twitter.com/Pb6UtUWCLn
The transition for “Smile 3” was anticipated, with sources indicating Finn’s focus on “Possession”. While Bruckner’s exact vision for the third film remains unclear, the franchise’s track record suggests continued commercial viability. “Smile 2” was praised for its bold creative choices, with one reviewer calling it an all-out gore-soaked blast
.
Finn’s “Possession” remake is being directed through his first-look deal with Paramount, which he secured after the success of the first “Smile” film. The original “Smile” was commissioned for streaming before pivoting to a theatrical release, ultimately becoming a sleeper hit with $105 million domestically and $217 million globally. “Smile 2” earned $69 million domestically and $139 million globally against a $28 million budget, bringing the franchise’s total worldwide earnings to over $350 million.
Unanswered Questions and Future Outlook
Uncertainty remains about the extent of Finn’s involvement in “Smile 3”. While Variety’s report frames him as stepping aside from the director’s chair, it does not suggest the series is leaving his orbit entirely, with the studio noting he will stay on as a producer and writer of the framework. The film's release date has not been officially announced.
The “Smile” franchise has proven resilient, with each installment expanding its reach while maintaining a core focus on psychological horror. As Bruckner takes the helm, fans will watch to see how the series evolves under his direction, with Finn’s influence likely lingering in its storytelling approach. The third film’s plot details remain undisclosed, though Finn’s framework for the story has been developed.
David Bruckner (‘Hellraiser’ 2022) is reportedly directing ‘SMILE 3’He is stepping in for franchise creator Parker Finn, who is currently working on the remake of ‘Possession’ (Source: @DanielRPK) pic.twitter.com/BmBfzpScln
Additional details about “Smile 3” include the involvement of Nick Antosca as screenwriter, who is known for co-creating Hulu’s “The Act.” Antosca also wrote the 2021 film “Antlers” and the Colleen Hoover adaptation “Verity.” Jonathan Fass serves as executive producer, alongside Finn and Temple Hill Entertainment. Bruckner’s other projects include directing A24’s “Mice” and developing a reboot of “The Blob” for Warner Bros.
The original “Smile” film, which was built out of Finn’s short film, Laura Hasn’t Slept, was initially planned for a Paramount+ release before test screenings prompted a theatrical rollout. This decision proved successful, with the film becoming the highest-grossing original horror of 2022. “Smile 2” followed a similar trajectory, with Finn noting that the sequel’s success allowed for greater creative freedom and larger-scale storytelling.
‘SMILE 3’ is reportedly in the works.David Bruckner is set to direct.(Via: @DanielRPK) pic.twitter.com/0jkWqrd9F7
Bruckner’s appointment underscores Paramount’s confidence in the “Smile” franchise, which has become a key part of its horror slate. The studio has not yet set a release date for “Smile 3,” but the project’s development is progressing under Bruckner’s leadership. The director’s background in anthology films and standalone horror projects aligns with the franchise’s approach of featuring new characters and storylines in each installment.