‘Orphan 3’ officially in the works, Isabelle Fuhrman to return as lead | Image: Instagram/@isabellefuhrman
Lionsgate officially greenlit the development of “Orphan 3,” with Isabelle Fuhrman returning in the role of Esther.
In a report by Variety, Dark Castle Entertainment co-CEO Norman Golightly announced that the third installment of the cult horror franchise is officially underway.
“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 movie for both current fans of the franchise and new fans alike,” he said.
The first “Orphan,” released in 2009, catapulted Fuhrman to fame after her convincing portrayal of the pyscho Esther, a nine-year-old girl orphan who is not someone who she claims to be.
After 13 years, Fuhrman returned to the role in the prequel “Orphan: First Kill.” The plot and other details of the third installment are still kept under wraps.
Aside from Fuhrman, director William Brent Bell and screenwriter David Coggeshall, who worked in the prequel, are also returning for the upcoming third movie.
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Despite the mixed reviews from critics, the first “Orphan” film was a box-office hit, grossing almost $80 million worldwide on a $20-million production budget.
Meanwhile, “Orphan: First Kill” grossed $44 million worldwide on an $8-million production budget.
In 2022, Fuhrman expressed her enthusiasm when asked about the possibility of a third movie.
“I would love to do that. I don’t think we’re going to have to wait 13 years because I don’t think it’s going to be possible in 13 years. When you’re in your 20s, you can still look younger if you get on a little stool chair or have children play you from multiple angles. But I would love the opportunity if it came up. I wouldn’t say no,” she told Variety at the time.
The first film features Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, CCH Pounder, Margo Martindale and Aryana Engineer, among others.
On the other hand, the prequel features Julia Stiles, Rossif Sutherland, Hiro Kanagawa and Matthew Finlan, among others.
“Orphan 3” is reportedly eyeing a late 2025 release.