Paramount Taps 'Hellraiser' Director David Bruckner for 'Smile 3' as Parker Finn Focuses on Remake

Paramount Announces New Director for 'Smile 3'

Paramount has announced that David Bruckner will direct the third installment in the Smile horror franchise. Bruckner, whose directing credits include Hellraiser and The Night House, takes over behind the camera from Parker Finn.

Nick Antosca wrote the screenplay for Smile 3. His credits include Verity and Cape Fear. Although Finn is not directing, he developed and pitched the framework for what the studio describes as the trilogy-completing film. Finn will serve as a producer alongside Temple Hill, and Jonathan Fass is attached as executive producer.

Parker Finn's Absence and Current Projects

The report states that Finn is busy directing Paramount's remake of Possession, which explains his move away from directing Smile 3. Finn wrote and directed the first two Smile films. Variety was first to break the news of Bruckner's involvement, according to the source coverage.

Franchise History and Box Office Results

The original Smile followed Dr. Rose Cotter, played by Sosie Bacon, as she attempted to escape a perpetually smiling supernatural entity that haunts its victims before driving them to madness. That film became the highest-grossing original horror of 2022.

The 2024 sequel, Smile 2, starred Naomi Scott as pop star Skye Riley, who inherits the entity. According to the report, Smile 2 pushed the franchise's global gross past $350 million, establishing the series as a significant commercial property for Paramount.

Confirmed Details and Outstanding Questions

Confirmed:

• David Bruckner is directing Smile 3.
• Nick Antosca wrote the screenplay.
• Parker Finn developed and pitched the film's framework and serves as a producer with Temple Hill.
• Jonathan Fass serves as executive producer.
• Parker Finn is directing Paramount's Possession remake.
• Smile 3 is described as the trilogy-completing film.

Not addressed in the source:

• A release date for Smile 3.
• Whether Sosie Bacon or Naomi Scott will reprise their roles.
• Plot details for the third film.
• Additional casting announcements.

What This Means for Audiences

The change in director means Smile 3 will be shaped by Bruckner's sensibility while building on Finn's original story framework. Bruckner's work on Hellraiser and The Night House suggests a continued emphasis on atmospheric, psychological horror, though the announcement does not specify how his approach will differ from Finn's. Moviegoers should wait for official updates from Paramount before treating casting, release-window, or plot rumors as confirmed. For now, the only confirmed creative leads are Bruckner as director, Antosca as screenwriter, and Finn as producer.

How Readers Can Check the Original Announcement

This report is based on Deadline's coverage of Paramount's announcement. The original article can be reviewed at the link below for verification and any subsequent updates.

Source: https://deadline.com/2026/10/smile-3-taps-director-david-bruckner-1237207722/