Horror fans, rejoice! Orphan 3 has officially been greenlit, marking the return of Isabelle Fuhrman as the chilling Esther. The Orphan series, which first captivated audiences in 2009 with its twisted tale of a mysterious nine-year-old adoptee with a dark past, continued with the 2022 prequel Orphan: First Kill. The prequel took fans back to Esther’s roots, tracing her escape from an Estonian psychiatric facility and her journey to America by posing as the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family. Now, a third installment is confirmed, with Fuhrman back to reprise her iconic role.
The Lionsgate Launch
Lionsgate is set to launch the project at the American Film Market this week, with David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick—screenwriter of the original Orphan—on board as executive producer. According to Variety, Orphan 3 will reunite Fuhrman with First Kill’s writer David Coggeshall and director William Brent Bell. Norman Golightly, co-CEO of Dark Castle Entertainment, shared his excitement about the next chapter, stating the following:
“With the success of the first two movies and another thrilling storyline, we are confident that Orphan 3 will be a must-see for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise”.
While plot details remain under wraps, Bell hinted that Orphan 3 might delve into unexplored parts of Esther’s life, spanning three decades. Following the violent backstory revealed in First Kill, fans can expect more dark twists and surprises as Esther’s past unfolds in new and unsettling ways.
What’s Next For The Orphan Franchise?
The first two Orphan films grossed a combined $125 million worldwide, though both received mixed reviews. While some critics have called the franchise formulaic, Orphan 3 has the opportunity to break new ground, potentially expanding Esther’s character in fresh and unexpected directions.
With Fuhrman, Coggeshall, and Bell returning, Orphan 3 promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, and horror fans everywhere will be waiting to see what surprises Esther has in store next.
