Welcome to the next chapter of the psychological horror saga…
More than a decade after the chilling debut of Orphan, the saga continues. And with that being said, the infamous Esther is back. Production has officially begun on Orphan 3, marking the return of one of horror’s most unnerving characters and a creative team determined to push the franchise even further.
Filming is currently underway in Budapest, Hungary, where director William Brent Bell — who helmed the 2022 prequel Orphan: First Kill — reunites with cinematographer Maxime Alexander to bring a new, sinister chapter to life. The project is reportedly operating under the working title Orphans, teasing a fresh yet familiar dive into psychological terror.
Leading the return is Isabelle Fuhrman, returning to her acclaimed role as Esther — a character that has haunted audiences since 2009. According to early reports, the upcoming installment will follow a cunning con artist who infiltrates a wealthy European household, only to face exposure as her twisted secrets unravel.
The film’s development was first announced in late 2024 by Dark Castle Entertainment, with producer Norman Golightly expressing confidence that this new story will captivate fans of both the original and prequel.
“Dark Castle is excited to announce another terrifying chapter in the Orphan saga. With the past 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 new audiences alike” Golightly shared.
Fuhrman herself revealed that while she was initially hesitant to revisit Esther, the strength and creativity of the new script convinced her to return to the role that defined her early career. Additionally, the film will feature David Coggeshall as screenwriter and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick as executive producer, with Lionsgate overseeing international distribution. Though no official release date has been confirmed, Orphan 3 is currently slated for a late 2026 theatrical debut.
If Orphan: First Kill redefined the prequel format, Orphan 3 looks like it is ready to elevate the franchise even further! In doing so, merging mystery, horror, and psychological drama into one haunting continuation of Esther’s legacy. In case you missed it, press play on the first trailer above. Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments.