External links
Films directed by William Brent Bell | |
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| Films |
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| Founders | |
| Other | |
| Orphans | |
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| Directed by | William Brent Bell |
| Screenplay by | David Coggeshall |
| Based on | Characters by Alex Mace |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Maxime Alexandre |
| Edited by | Josh Ethier |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Republic Pictures (United States) |
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| Language | English |
Orphans is an upcoming psychological horror film directed by William Brent Bell and written by David Coggeshall. It is the third installment in the Orphan film series, and is as a prequel to both Orphan (2009) and Orphan: First Kill (2022). [1] It stars Isabelle Fuhrman, reprising her role as Esther.
In August 2022, when asked about his approach to making the sequel, Bell stated that there would need to be a third film in order for Orphan to be considered a franchise. [4] Later, Fuhrman expressed interest in continuing to portray the character in additional films. Bell stated that should Orphan: First Kill be successful, a third film could be developed. The filmmaker expressed interest in exploring a darker third installment that would complete a full story of Leena Klammer/Esther, while stating that there may be multiple sequels: "...Isabelle [Fuhrman] is so passionate about the character – [she] can play this character forever… there's a lot to that character, and I think in the future stories, she would probably become a bit more cold-hearted again. [5] Fuhrman confirmed that discussions for a third film, among the creatives and studios are ongoing, stating that there would not be another "13 years this time around" before a sequel is developed. [6] In December 2023, the filmmaker confirmed that a third film is in active development, with Fuhrman reprising the titular role. [7]
In November 2024, Dark Castle confirmed that a third film had been green lit by Lionsgate, which would launch the project at the American Film Market. Brent Bell and Coggeshall is set to return as director and screenwriter respectively, while Isabelle Fuhrman reprises her role as Leena Klammer/Esther. [8] Fuhrman later expressed excitement, stating that the quality of the script is what convinced her to sign on to the project. [9] By April 2025, the actress stated that the next installment will be an 'inbetweenquel' as it will depict separate events that take place after Orphan (2009), as well as the prequel Orphan: First Kill (2022). [10] In May 2025, Fuhrman stated David Coggeshall was continuing to write the script, while expressing excitement for the realization of the movie for the fans. Praising Coggeshall's script, she assured that she believes the movie would be great. [11]
Later, it was clarified that Orphans will be a prequel to both movies. Alex Mace, David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, and Norman Golighty serve as producers; Fuhrmann, Kelly Gallagher, and Victor Moyers are executive producers, while Robert Bell, Josh Ethier, Jonathan Halperyn, and Daniel Kresmerywhile serve as co-producers. The project is a joint-venture production between Lionsgate, Dark Castle Entertainment, Republic Pictures, Gnosis Moving Pictures, and Hero Squared Productions. [12]
Isabelle Fuhrman reprises her lead role as Leena, who frequently uses the alias "Esther". [8] In December 2025, Stephen Moyer, Susanne Wuest, and Simon Man were announced to feature in supporting roles. [12]
Under the working title Orphans, principal photography began in Budapest on November 5, 2025, with Maxime Alexandre as the cinematographer; [13] with production wrapping by December 12, of the same year. [14]
In December 2025, Republic Pictures, whose sister company Paramount Players had distributed Orphan: First Kill , acquired U.S. distribution rights to Orphans. [3]
