Paramount has appointed filmmaker David Bruckner to direct the third instalment of its popular horror film franchise ‘Smile’. Nick Antosca will write the screenplay for the upcoming film. Bruckner will take over the director’s role from Parker Finn, who created the franchise and directed the first two films.

According to ANI report, citing Variety, Parker Finn will continue to be associated with ‘Smile 3’ as a producer alongside Temple Hill. Jonathan Fass will serve as the executive producer. However, details about the film’s storyline.

David Bruckner is known for directing several horror films, including ‘Hellraiser’ (2022), ‘The Ritual’ (2017) and ‘The Night House’ (2020). He has also been associated with other upcoming projects, including a reboot of the science-fiction horror film ‘The Blob’ for Warner Bros. and ‘Mice’ for A24.

Screenwriter Nick Antosca is known for creating Apple’s miniseries ‘Cape Fear’ and co-creating Hulu’s series ‘The Act’. His writing credits also include the 2021 horror film ‘Antlers’ and the upcoming adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel ‘Verity’.

The ‘Smile’ franchise began with its first film in 2022, starring Sosie Bacon as a therapist who starts experiencing frightening events after witnessing a patient’s death. The film received attention for its horror storyline and was followed by ‘Smile 2’ in 2024.

The second instalment starred Naomi Scott as a pop singer who begins experiencing disturbing events while preparing for a world tour. Both films were directed by Parker Finn.

With David Bruckner taking charge of the third film and Nick Antosca writing the screenplay, ‘Smile 3’ will bring a new creative team to the franchise.