‘Smile 3’ Taps ‘Hellraiser’ Director David Bruckner Amid Parker Finn’s Absence

David Bruckner, a seasoned horror filmmaker, has been appointed to direct the upcoming sequel to the breakout horror hit "Smile." Paramount Studios will handle the production of the film, with the original series creator, Parker Finn, stepping in as a producer. Nick Antonsca will write the screenplay based on a framework initially developed by Finn. Jonathan Fass will serve as executive producer.

Bruckner, who began his horror career with anthology films such as "V/H/S" and "Southbound," has also helmed the Sundance film "The Signal" and the recent releases "The Night House" and a reimagining of Clive Barker's "Hellraiser." Other projects include a remake of the classic horror film "The Blob" for Warner Bros. and an adaptation of Marcus Kleiwer's novel "The Caretaker," starring Sydney Sweeney, for Universal.

Finn will be directing a remake of the 1981 cult horror film "Possession," starring Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley, which is set to release through a first-look deal with Paramount in June 2027. "Smile," which premiered at Fantastic Fest in 2022, grossed $217 million worldwide and led to a sequel that earned $138 million in 2024. Bruckner is represented by WME and Grandview and his signing was first reported by Daniel Richtman.