David Bruckner directs Smile 3
The path to further horror is being paved by a familiar name. Paramount Pictures is reportedly bringing the pedigree of Hellraiser director David Bruckner to helm the next installment in the viral sensation, Smile 3.
Bruckner, known for crafting intense psychological horror in films like The Signal and The Ritual, brings a unique intensity to the table. His extensive experience with the V/H/S framework makes him an intriguing choice to steer the franchise forward, promising a fresh, yet deeply unsettling, evolution of the cursed storyline.
The Smile series has proven its infectious ability to captivate audiences. The original film was a massive hit, grossing over $217 million worldwide, establishing a disturbing premise centered on a therapist haunted by horrifying visions.
The franchise quickly built on this foundation. The sequel, Smile 2, followed the story with a pop star who inherits the curse just as she begins her world tour, also achieving strong box office success, grossing $138 million worldwide.
During the development of the sequels, creator Parker Finn hinted at the potential for endless escalation. He suggested that while the mystery was uncovered in the first film, there was still vast territory left to explore, dreaming of a lineage of movies where the horror only gets more out of control.
This ambition was clearly realized in the second film, which critics hailed as a significant leap forward. Reviewers noted that the expanded budget allowed the sequel to be a “bigger and better improvement,” delivering an “all-out gore-soaked blast” that proved just how effective the franchise could be.
With David Bruckner taking the helm for Smile 3, the studio is signaling a commitment to escalating the tone, blending Bruckner’s signature suspense with the established mythology of the curse. Fans can now anticipate a continuation that promises not just scares, but a spiraling descent into madness, guided by a director unafraid to push boundaries.
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