Orphan 3 Officially Greenlit, Bringing Esther’s Chilling Story Back to Screens
The third installment of the cult-classic Orphan horror series is officially in the works, with Isabelle Fuhrman returning as Esther.
Fans of the Orphan franchise can look forward to a chilling new chapter in the saga as Lionsgate and Dark Castle Entertainment officially announce Orphan 3. Isabelle Fuhrman, who brought the unsettling character of Esther to life, will return to the role that cemented her status in horror history. This third installment follows the terrifying success of Orphan(2009) and its 2022 prequel Orphan: First Kill, which not only expanded on Esther’s origins but also refreshed the franchise’s grip on audiences with its blend of suspense and psychological terror. The latest film promises to dive even deeper into Esther’s disturbing world, offering something for both loyal fans and newcomers to the series.
Fuhrman’s return as Esther will be accompanied by Orphan: First Kill’s acclaimed creative team, including director William Brent Bell and writer David Coggeshall. Both Bell and Coggeshall brought fresh perspective and thrills to Esther’s twisted backstory in Orphan: First Kill, and their involvement suggests the upcoming film will continue to heighten the franchise’s terrifying legacy.
Plot details remain under wraps, yet Norman Golightly, Co-CEO of Dark Castle Entertainment, shared his excitement about “another terrifying chapter” in the Orphan series that’s poised to captivate fans and new audiences alike. To kick off its development, Lionsgate will launch the project at this week’s American Film Market, generating buzz and anticipation among horror aficionados worldwide.
The Orphan series has built a dedicated fan base and cult following since its debut in 2009. The original film shocked audiences with the story of a couple who, after losing their baby, adopt a nine-year-old girl whose innocent appearance belied a terrifying and manipulative nature. Grossing nearly $78 million worldwide, the film solidified its place in horror with its psychological complexity and eerie revelations.
Orphan: First Kill added new layers to Esther’s character by exploring her escape from an Estonian psychiatric facility and her calculated entry into a wealthy family by posing as their missing child. This unexpected prequel was released in 2022 both in theaters and on Paramount+, where it gained new fans and grossed over $45 million globally.
With Orphan 3, Dark Castle Entertainment continues to build on the franchise’s growing legacy. Produced in partnership with Alex Mace of Gnosis Films, with executive producer David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, the film aims to expand on the series’ worldwide box office haul of $125 million. As Isabelle Fuhrman steps back into the role that made her a horror icon, her career continues to flourish, with credits spanning from The Hunger Games to The Novice, as well as Showtime’s Masters of Sex. Meanwhile, director William Brent Bell’s resume includes other notable horror hits such as The Devil Inside and Stay Alive, which have earned him acclaim for his knack for dark and suspenseful storytelling.
With Isabelle Fuhrman reprising her spine-chilling role, Orphan 3 promises to deliver the suspense, horror, and psychological depth that fans of the franchise have come to crave. As production moves forward and plot details gradually unfold, horror enthusiasts can prepare for another haunting installment in Esther’s dark and twisted journey. The film’s launch at the American Film Market signals the start of a fresh era for Orphan fans, who can eagerly await this new chapter in Esther’s story.