David Bruckner Set to Direct ‘Smile 3’

Parker Finn, creator, writer and director of the first two 'Smile' films, developed and pitched the framework for the third installment, and will remain involved as a producer of the next movie. David Bruckner will direct Smile 3, as Smile creator Parker Finn will remain a producer of the next movie. David Bruckner is preparing to make horror fans smile, as the director has signed on to direct Smile 3. The Hellraiser reboot director will helm the follow-up to 2024’s Smile 2 for Paramount. Nick Antosca will pen the script. Parker Finn, creator, writer and director of the first two Smile films, developed and pitched the framework of the third entry.

He will remain involved as a producer for Smile 3, and Jonathan Fass will executive produce. Bruckner directed Hulu’s Hellraiser remake in 2022, and also previously helmed The Night House and The Ritual. Outside of Smile 3, he’s also attached to direct Universal Pictures’ The Caretaker, which is an adaptation of Marcus Kliewer’s book of the same name, starring Sydney Sweeney, and horror film Mice for A24. Bruckner is also writing and developing a remake of The Blob. Finn signed a first-look deal with Paramount Pictures in 2023. He is also directing the studio’s Possession remake starring Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley that will release on June 11, 2027.