The third film in the cult horror series Orphan has been officially greenlit, with Isabelle Fuhrman – most recently seen in Kevin Costner’s “Horizon” – reprising her iconic role as Esther, and “Orphan: First Kill” writer David Coggeshall (“The Family Plan”) and director William Brent Bell (“The Boy”) returning to direct. The feature film – with no plot details currently available – was announced by production company Dark Castle Entertainment, with Lionsgate launching the project at the American Film Market this week.
“Dark Castle is thrilled to announce another terrifying chapter in the ‘Orphan’ saga,” said Norman Golightly, Co-CEO of Dark Castle Entertainment. “With the past success of the first two films and another compelling storyline, we are confident that ‘Orphan 3’ will be a must-see for both current fans of the franchise and new fans alike.” Dark Castle will produce “Orphan 3” with Alex Mace of Gnosis Films. David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick will also executive produce. Lionsgate is handling international sales.
The Orphan franchise
The “Orphan” franchise has grossed a combined $125 million worldwide. The first film, which became a cult classic upon its release in 2009, followed a husband and wife who, after the loss of their baby, adopt a nine-year-old girl who is not as innocent as she claims to be. The film, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and starring Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, and a young Fuhrman, earned $12.8 million domestically, closed with $41.5 million, and approached $78 million worldwide.
The second film, the prequel “Orphan: First Kill,” followed Fuhrman’s Leena as she escaped from an Estonian psychiatric facility by pretending to be the missing daughter of a wealthy family. Her new life brings unexpected problems as a mother protects her family at all costs. The film was released day and date in theaters and on Paramount+ in 2022 and has grossed over $45 million worldwide.