Orphan 3 is Officially in Development at Lionsgate

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As a cinephile who’s been around the block a few times, I must say, the return of Esther is like a long-lost friend coming back for another round of chaos and chills. I remember watching the original Orphan way back when, and let me tell you, young Isabelle Fuhrman left quite an impression on me – that eerie smile, those piercing eyes… it was all too unsettling!

It appears that Esther, who has gained quite a reputation as a horror icon, might be causing more chaos and destruction again. She first started her terror in the 2009 film titled “Orphan,” and following a prequel that delved deeper into her past, it’s confirmed that a third film in the series is being developed.

According to reports, Lionsgate has given the go-ahead for “Orphan 3”, and actress Isabelle Fuhrman is set to reprise her role as Esther. Director William Brent Bell, who directed the prequel “Orphan: First Kill”, will also return to direct this new installment. David Coggeshall, who wrote the script for the prequel, will be back to write for this third film. The news was shared by Norman Golightly, Co-CEO of Dark Castle Entertainment, who will produce the movie under the Dark Castle label along with Lionsgate. As of now, the plot details are being kept confidential.

Looking forward to sharing another spine-chilling installment in the ‘Orphan’ series! The first two films have been a hit, and with an engaging new plot, we believe that ‘Orphan 3’ will be an essential watch for both longtime followers of the franchise as well as those discovering it for the first time.

Orphan Has Become an Iconic Horror Franchise

In 2009, the initial movie titled “Orphan” was unveiled under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra. The screenplay was penned by David Leslie Johnson, while Alex Mace provided the storyline. This film revolves around a couple who experience the tragic loss of their unborn child and choose to adopt a nine-year-old girl named Esther (Fuhrman). Despite her young look, Esther harbors a lethal secret and exhibits a level of psychopathy that surpasses her innocent facade. The cast includes Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, CCH Pounder, Jimmy Bennett, and Aryana Engineer.

Despite receiving a somewhat divided response from critics, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 59%, the movie “Orphan” proved to be a financial success, earning $78.3 million globally against a production budget of just $20 million. Audiences appeared captivated by the film’s unexpected twist towards the end, and young actress Isabelle Fuhrman received acclaim for her chilling portrayal of Esther. However, there was some criticism from adoption advocacy groups who worried that the movie’s content might discourage potential adopters.

The movie performed adequately to give birth to a prequel titled “Orphan: First Kill“, which hit the screens in 2022. Bell assumed directorial responsibilities from Collett-Serra, while Coggeshall took over the screenwriting role from Johnson. In this film, Esther, portrayed by Fuhrman, finds herself in the abode of a wealthy family, posing as their long-lost daughter. Initially, everything appears peaceful, but Tricia Albright, played by Julia Stiles, has her suspicions that Esther might not be their real daughter. This puts her at odds with someone who will go to great lengths to remain part of this family.

The initial screening of “Orphan: First Kill” garnered more favorable criticism than its predecessor, scoring 71% on Rotten Tomatoes. Surprisingly, even with a simultaneous release in cinemas and streaming on Paramount+, the film managed to earn $44 million globally.

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2024-11-05 04:33