Dark Castle Entertainment has officially revealed that a third film in the Orphan series is in the works, with Isabelle Fuhrman set to return as the notorious Esther, the psychopathic woman posing as a nine-year-old girl.
Co-CEO Norman Golightly expressed enthusiasm for the new chapter, stating, “Dark Castle is excited to announce another terrifying chapter in the Orphan saga.” He emphasized the anticipation for the project, adding, “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.”
William Brent Bell, who directed Orphan: First Kill in 2022, will also return to helm this upcoming installment. The original 2009 film followed a couple who adopted Esther, later discovering her true identity as a 33-year-old serial killer. The prequel released in 2022 delved into Esther’s escape from a psychiatric institution and her impersonation of a wealthy family’s missing daughter.
Although plot details for Orphan 3 remain under wraps, the new story is expected to further explore Esther’s dark past. Bell, known for his innovative techniques, previously detailed how practical effects and forced perspective were employed to make Fuhrman appear childlike in Orphan: First Kill. He explained, “It’s where, if we have two people in frame, if we want one person to be smaller, we put them further back. Then we use a lens and such that [when] they’re moving together they look in proportion to one another.”
Fuhrman, now 27, shared the challenges of these filming techniques, noting, “It was difficult. It’s hard to remember that you can’t look in the eyes of the person you’re acting opposite; you have to look directly to the side.”
Lionsgate plans to present the project at the American Film Market this week, sparking excitement among the film community.
