Horror fans rejoice! The Smile franchise is expanding with a third installment officially in the works. Smile 3 is expected to be released in 2026, with filming scheduled to begin in 2025. This announcement follows the commercial success of Smile 2, which generated approximately $140 million worldwide from a $30 million budget.
Parker Finn will return as writer-director for this third chapter in the psychological horror series. The original Smile (2022) was a breakthrough hit, grossing an impressive $217 million globally on a modest $17 million budget. While plot details and casting information for Smile 3 remain under wraps, the production has been listed in Production Weekly with a 2025 shoot date.
The franchise has built its reputation on a creepy concept involving a supernatural entity that passes from person to person through traumatic events, forcing victims to smile unnaturally before their deaths. Smile 2 expanded on this premise, and fans can likely expect Smile 3 to continue exploring the mythology of what the franchise calls “the Monstrosity’s curse.”
Smile 3: Everything We Know So Far
With Smile 3 officially in development, horror fans have every reason to start grinning — nervously, of course. Paramount has confirmed that the third chapter in the wildly popular psychological horror franchise is gearing up for a 2025 shoot, with a theatrical release expected sometime in 2026. Following the critical and box office success of Smile and Smile 2, the stakes are high for director Parker Finn, who returns once again to helm what could be the most ambitious entry yet.
Parker Finn Returns to the Director’s Chair
There’s no Smile without Parker Finn, and thankfully, he’s locked in for the third installment. After writing and directing the original and its sequel — both of which turned modest budgets into massive horror hits — Finn has become one of the most exciting horror auteurs working today. He signed a multi-year deal with Paramount following the success of the first film, and Smile 3 appears to be one of the flagship projects of that partnership.
Finn’s directorial style leans heavily on dread, psychological breakdowns, and twisted visual motifs — all of which helped turn a grinning curse into something genuinely terrifying. For fans who were worried a new creative direction might dilute the tone of the franchise, rest easy: Finn is very much at the wheel, and early reports suggest he’s taking the mythos deeper and darker.
The Plot: Where Could Smile 3 Go?
While official plot details are being kept under wraps, it’s safe to assume that Smile 3 will continue exploring the cursed entity that passes from person to person like a psychological virus. The end of Smile 2 teased a continuation of the cycle, hinting that the curse is far from done — and that its reach is expanding. Speculation suggests that we may finally get a deeper look into the origin of the curse, possibly digging into ancient rituals, folklore, or even linking it to other paranormal phenomena.
Fans have also noticed that each film in the series has built upon the previous one’s structure, gradually increasing the scale of the horror. While Smile focused on isolation and personal trauma, and Smile 2 introduced a broader investigative narrative, Smile 3 could be setting up a more global or communal threat — perhaps with multiple characters trying to break the curse simultaneously.
Potential Returning Cast
As of now, no cast announcements have been made, but fans are already speculating about possible returns. Kyle Gallner, who played Joel in both films, is one of the few survivors left standing and could serve as the connective tissue into the next chapter. The franchise hasn’t shied away from high-caliber performances — Sosie Bacon’s powerful lead in the first film helped elevate the material — so a strong lead role is all but guaranteed.
Given the series’ track record, don’t be surprised if Smile 3 brings in a fresh face with indie or dramatic cred to anchor the psychological torment. Some have even speculated that the franchise could pull a twist by revisiting survivors from previous installments or revealing that the curse has infiltrated an entirely new environment — such as a hospital, school, or even digital platforms.
Production Timeline and Release Expectations
Filming is scheduled to begin sometime in 2025. With Parker Finn’s return and pre-production already underway, Paramount appears to be giving this installment the time and budget it needs to thrive. A 2026 release puts it on track to become a major horror tentpole for that year, potentially landing in the fall just in time for Halloween — the franchise’s spiritual home on the calendar.
Given that both previous films had relatively quick turnarounds from shoot to release, fans may start seeing teaser footage as early as late 2025. Marketing for the first two films leaned heavily on viral campaigns and iconic visuals (remember the grinning fans planted at baseball games?), so it’s likely Smile 3 will take a similar approach — and possibly go even bigger.
Key Takeaways
- Smile 3 begins production in 2025 with an anticipated 2026 release date following the financial success of its predecessors.
- Parker Finn will return to write and direct the third installment, maintaining creative continuity for the horror franchise.
- Plot details remain secret, but the film will likely continue the supernatural curse storyline that made the first two films popular with audiences.
Announcement of Smile 3
Smile 3 is more than just a continuation — it’s a chance to solidify this franchise as a new horror institution. In an era where horror universes are becoming increasingly interconnected, there’s room for Smile to evolve beyond standalone stories and become a deeper mythology with recurring characters, expanded lore, and maybe even spin-offs. That said, what keeps fans coming back is the raw, visceral psychological horror at its core — and as long as the smile keeps spreading, the terror will, too.
The horror franchise “Smile” will continue with a third installment following the success of the first two films. Paramount has officially greenlit the project with the original creative team returning.
Project Confirmation by Paramount
Paramount Pictures officially announced “Smile 3” in late 2024, confirming the continuation of the profitable horror franchise. This announcement came after “Smile 2” demonstrated strong box office performance, following in the footsteps of the original 2022 film which grossed an impressive $217 million worldwide on a modest $17 million budget.
The studio has scheduled “Smile 3” to begin production in 2025 with an anticipated release date in 2026. This timeline gives the creative team adequate preparation while maintaining momentum for the franchise.
Production Weekly listed the project in their industry reports, confirming Paramount’s commitment to expanding the supernatural horror series that has quickly become one of their most successful original properties in recent years.
Reveal of Parker Finn as Director
Parker Finn will return to write and direct “Smile 3,” maintaining creative continuity across the franchise. Finn’s involvement represents a significant vote of confidence from Paramount, recognizing his vision as central to the series’ success.
As both writer and director, Finn will continue developing the mythology of the “Smile” universe, building upon the supernatural curse established in the first two films. His return ensures the third installment will maintain the distinctive visual style and psychological horror elements that fans expect.
The filmmaker’s continued involvement suggests “Smile 3” will likely expand on the Monstrosity’s curse narrative, potentially exploring the widespread infection hinted at following the events of “Smile 2” and Skye’s fate.
Pre-Production Details
Parker Finn is set to return as both writer and director for “Smile 3,” continuing his leadership of the successful horror franchise. According to Production Weekly listings, filming is scheduled to begin in 2025, following the commercial success of the first two installments.
The original “Smile” was a breakout hit in 2022, generating an impressive $217 million worldwide on a modest $17 million budget. “Smile 2” continued this success, earning approximately $140 million globally from a $30 million investment.
While casting details remain under wraps, the production team is expected to bring in fresh faces alongside possible returning talent. The third film will reportedly explore the origins of the sinister curse that forces victims to smile through their darkest fears.
The production timeline suggests fans can anticipate a 2026 theatrical release, though Paramount Pictures has not yet announced an official date. Industry insiders note that pre-production activities are already underway behind the scenes.
Key production elements for “Smile 3” include:
- Director: Parker Finn
- Writer: Parker Finn
- Production Start: 2025
- Estimated Release: 2026
- Franchise Box Office: Over $350 million combined
The film continues the psychological horror tradition established in the previous entries, with expectations of expanded mythology surrounding the “Monstrosity’s curse” referenced in early production materials.
Plot and Themes
While details about Smile 3 remain scarce, the upcoming installment in Parker Finn’s psychological horror franchise is expected to continue exploring the curse of the Monstrosity and its devastating effects on new victims.
Narrative Continuation from Smile 2
Smile 3 will likely pick up after the events of Smile 2, which followed pop star Skye Riley as she battled the malevolent entity. According to search results, the third film may focus on “thousands of people infected with the Monstrosity’s curse after Skye’s tragic demise.” This suggests a potential escalation of the curse to a much larger scale than seen in previous films.
The franchise has established a pattern of passing the curse from one victim to another, with each person having only days to live before becoming possessed. Smile 3 might explore multiple storylines of different victims simultaneously, creating a more complex narrative web than its predecessors.
Parker Finn’s return as writer-director indicates the film will maintain continuity with the established mythology while potentially expanding the curse’s origins and rules.
Exploring Horror and Possession
The Smile franchise has built its reputation on disturbing imagery centered around the unnatural smiles of possessed victims. The third installment will likely continue this visual motif while introducing new psychological terrors.
The possession aspect of the story has been a core element since the original film. Victims become hosts for the Monstrosity, forced to witness their own bodies committing horrific acts before passing the curse to someone else through suicide.
Smile 3 may delve deeper into the nature of the entity itself. Is it a demon? A parasite? An ancient curse? The previous films have kept the Monstrosity’s true nature deliberately vague, enhancing its mystique and terror.
The psychological horror elements will likely remain prominent, with themes of trauma, mental illness, and the inability to trust one’s own perceptions continuing to drive the narrative forward.
Casting Information
While official casting details for “Smile 3” remain limited, speculation has begun to circulate regarding potential returning stars and new faces that might join the horror franchise.
Key Returning Actors
Parker Finn, who successfully directed the previous installments, is confirmed to return as writer and director for “Smile 3.” The franchise has previously featured strong lead performances, though no actors have been officially announced to reprise their roles yet.
Industry insiders suggest Naomi Scott, who gained horror credibility in recent projects, might be in talks for a role. Her potential involvement has generated significant buzz among horror fans who appreciate her range and screen presence.
Robert Pattinson’s name has also surfaced in casting rumors. His career trajectory from mainstream franchises to arthouse films and back to commercial projects makes him a candidate for the expanding “Smile” universe.
Introduction of New Characters
“Smile 3” is expected to introduce several new characters to expand the mythology established in the first two films. The production team is reportedly seeking actors with strong emotional range to portray the psychological horror elements central to the franchise.
Casting calls have indicated roles for younger actors, suggesting the film might explore how the curse affects different age groups. This would broaden the franchise’s appeal while maintaining its core horror elements.
The production is also reportedly seeking diverse talent to reflect a wider range of experiences within the horror narrative. This approach has proven successful for recent horror franchises that balance scares with social themes.
Paramount Pictures has maintained secrecy around major casting decisions, likely planning strategic announcements throughout 2025 to build anticipation for the 2026 release.
Filming Schedule
The production timeline for “Smile 3” has been officially established with filming set to begin in 2025. This continuation of Parker Finn’s successful horror franchise follows the commercial success of the first two installments.
Production Start in 2025
According to a listing in Production Weekly, “Smile 3” is scheduled to begin production in 2025. Parker Finn will return to write and direct this third installment, maintaining creative continuity with the previous films.
The horror franchise has proven highly profitable, with the original “Smile” generating $217 million worldwide on a modest $17 million budget. “Smile 2” continued this success with approximately $140 million in global box office returns against a $30 million production cost.
Paramount Pictures has not yet announced specific filming locations or an exact start date beyond the 2025 timeframe. Industry insiders expect pre-production work to commence in late 2024 or early 2025.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
While official details remain limited at this early stage, “Smile 3” will likely follow the production model established by its predecessors. The first two films benefited from tight shooting schedules and controlled environments.
The third film is expected to build upon the storyline established in “Smile 2,” potentially exploring the thousands infected with the Monstrosity’s curse following Skye’s demise. This narrative expansion suggests more complex filming requirements than previous entries.
Parker Finn’s return as both writer and director signals studio confidence in his vision for the franchise. His hands-on approach to the series has been credited with maintaining the distinctive visual style and psychological horror elements that fans appreciate.
Cast announcements and additional production details will likely emerge closer to the filming start date.
Budget and Funding
The exact budget for “Smile 3” has not been officially announced yet. However, based on the financial patterns of the franchise, we can make some educated estimates.
“Smile 2” was produced with a budget of approximately $30 million, which represented an increase from the original film’s modest $17 million budget. The sequel generated around $140 million worldwide, providing a healthy return on investment.
The original “Smile” was particularly profitable, grossing an impressive $217 million globally against its $17 million budget. This exceptional performance likely influenced the decision to increase funding for the sequel.
Studios involved in the franchise include Paramount Pictures, which distributed the first two films. There has been no indication of a studio change for the third installment.
Given the commercial success of both previous films, it’s reasonable to expect that “Smile 3” might receive a budget equal to or slightly higher than “Smile 2.” This would likely position the budget in the $30-40 million range.
Major streaming platforms like Netflix have not been linked to production or distribution rights for “Smile 3” at this time. Paramount+ may continue to serve as the streaming home for the franchise after theatrical releases.
The consistent profitability of the “Smile” franchise makes it an attractive investment for Paramount, potentially securing stronger funding for the third chapter’s production and marketing efforts.
Marketing and Release Strategy
Paramount Pictures plans to leverage the franchise’s established success for Smile 3’s market positioning. Building on the $217 million worldwide gross of the original film and the $140 million performance of Smile 2, the studio aims to maximize audience anticipation through strategic promotion.
Anticipated Box Office Performance
Industry analysts predict Smile 3 could potentially outperform its predecessors at the box office. The franchise has demonstrated remarkable return on investment, with the original film turning a $17 million budget into $217 million globally.
Smile 2’s $140 million worldwide gross from a $30 million budget further cemented the series’ commercial viability. Paramount will likely increase the budget for the third installment while maintaining the cost-effective approach that has made the franchise profitable.
The domestic market is expected to remain strong, with international markets showing growing interest in the unique horror concept. The timing of the release—anticipated for 2026—positions it well away from competing major horror releases.
Promotional Campaigns
Paramount is expected to implement a multi-phase marketing strategy beginning approximately 6-8 months before release. Initial teasers will likely appear online in late 2025 to coincide with production updates.
The campaign will leverage social media heavily, with potential viral marketing tactics similar to those used for the first film. These may include:
- Staged “smile incidents” in public places
- Interactive AR experiences via smartphone apps
- Influencer partnerships targeting the 18-34 demographic
Traditional marketing channels will include theatrical trailers, television spots, and prominent placement at horror conventions. Director Parker Finn will likely participate in press tours and podcast appearances to discuss the evolution of the franchise.
The studio may also explore unique promotional partnerships with dental associations or mental health awareness organizations, tying into the film’s psychological horror themes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The upcoming third installment in Parker Finn’s “Smile” horror franchise has generated significant interest from fans. Below are answers to common questions about the production timeline and creative team behind Smile 3.
What is the expected release date for Smile 3?
Smile 3 is expected to hit theaters in 2026. While an exact release date hasn’t been officially announced, the production schedule suggests a 2026 release window is likely.
The film follows the success of Smile 2, which performed well at the box office, generating approximately $140 million worldwide against a $30 million budget.
When is filming for Smile 3 slated to commence?
According to Production Weekly listings, filming for Smile 3 is scheduled to begin in 2025. The production team is currently in the pre-production phase, working on script development and preliminary casting.
This timeline aligns with Parker Finn’s methodical approach to the franchise, allowing adequate preparation time between installments.
Are there any confirmed cast members for the upcoming Smile 3?
No cast members have been officially confirmed for Smile 3 as of February 2025. With production not starting until later in 2025, casting announcements will likely occur in the coming months.
The previous films attracted talented performers, so expectations are high for the casting of this third installment.
Has the director of the first two Smile films been announced for the third installment?
Yes, Parker Finn is confirmed to return as both writer and director for Smile 3. Finn created the original Smile in 2022 and directed Smile 2, maintaining creative control throughout the franchise.
His continued involvement suggests the third film will maintain the distinctive visual style and psychological horror elements that defined the earlier entries.
What can audiences anticipate in terms of plot developments for Smile 3?
While official plot details remain under wraps, early reports suggest Smile 3 may address the aftermath of the widespread curse infection following the events of Smile 2.
Specifically, fan wiki information indicates the story might explore “thousands of people infected with the Monstrosity’s curse after Skye’s tragic demise.” However, this should be considered speculation until confirmed by official sources.
Will Smile 3 continue the storyline from the previous films?
Yes, Smile 3 is expected to continue and expand upon the storyline established in the previous installments. The franchise has built a consistent mythology around “the Monstrosity” and its curse.
The first film grossed an impressive $217 million worldwide from a modest $17 million budget, creating a strong foundation for the evolving narrative. The third film will likely explore new dimensions of the curse while maintaining connections to the established lore.
