Orphan 3 is officially on the horizon, signaling a thrilling continuation of the spine-chilling saga that began with the 2009 psychological horror film Orphan.
The upcoming sequel, which has been greenlit by Dark Castle Entertainment, will see Isabelle Fuhrman return to her role as the eerie Esther. The original film, which grossed nearly US$78 million worldwide, depicted a couple adopting a nine-year-old girl after losing their unborn child, only to discover her chilling secret. The sequel, Orphan: First Kill (2022), presented Esther’s daring escape from an Estonian psychiatric facility and her deceptive entrance into America by impersonating a missing child of a wealthy family, pulling in US$37 million globally.
Variety reports that alongside Fuhrman, the creative team from Orphan: First Kill — screenwriter David Coggeshall and director William Brent Bell — will return for the third instalment. Norman Golightly of Dark Castle Entertainment expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “With the past success of the first two movies and another thrilling storyline, we are confident that Orphan 3 will be a must-see movie for both current fans of the franchise, and new fans alike.”
The entire franchise has thus far amassed US$115 million, according to Box Office Mojo, with the original film released by Warner Bros. and directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. The prequel was simultaneously released on Paramount+ and in theatres, showcasing a younger Fuhrman alongside The Omen’s Julia Stiles.
Details on the plot of Orphan 3 remain scant, but the film is expected to delve into the untold 30 years of Esther’s life, potentially filling significant narrative gaps left open by the first two films. Director William Brent Bell hinted at further unexpected twists, suggesting a deep dive into Esther’s complex character.
Despite the commercial success, the Orphan series has faced mixed reviews, with criticism often pointing to its formulaic approach and contentious themes. As Orphan 3 prepares to enter production, the team faces the challenge of transcending past criticisms by offering a fresh narrative angle and another dose of the disturbing charm that the first Orphan delivered.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Caleb from Love and Deepspace.
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