The 'Orphan' saga kicks off 'ORPHAN 3' with the return of Isabelle Fuhrman

Dark Castle Entertainment y Lionsgate have officially confirmed that the horror franchise The Orphan (2009) has launched the development of an upcoming sequel, Orphan 3 with the return of Isabelle Fuhrman like the little big villain Esther,

In 2022 the sequel as a prequel titled Orphan: First Kill of the director William Brent Bell (Brahms: The Boy II, Lord of Misrule) and the screenwriter David Coggeshall. Both resume their positions for the third film.

Dark Castle Entertainment announced the third film that Lionsgate will bring to the American Film Market (AFM) this week.

Plot details are currently being kept secret.

In a press release, Dark Castle's Norman Golightly said (via Variety):

“Dark Castle is pleased to announce another terrifying chapter in the 'Orphan' saga. With the success of the first two films and another exciting plot, we are confident that 'Orphan 3' will be a must-see movie for both current fans of the franchise and new fans.”

Orphan 3 will be produced by Alex Mace, with David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick serving as executive producer. Lionsgate will handle international sales.

The original 2009 film, The orphandirected by Jaume Collet-Serra, grossed $78 million globally. This was backed by Warner Bros. and Dark Castle. Its plot revolves around a couple who, in the midst of their suffering over the loss of their baby, adopt a 9-year-old girl who is not as innocent as she seems. Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard starred in the story.

In the sequel, as a prequel, the plot follows Esther to the United States, after orchestrating a brilliant escape from an Estonian psychiatric center. Esther travels to the US posing as Lena Klammer, the missing daughter of a wealthy family, where she confronts a mother who will protect her family at all costs. This had a simultaneous release in theaters and on Paramount+.

The film managed to bring back Furhman, then 23 years old, to once again play the 9-year-old villain. This was achieved using a combination of forced perspective filming and a world-class makeup team, with impressive and convincing results, both with critics and audiences. Its box office was more than $45 million dollars globally.

Both films have a combined box office of $125 million worldwide.