The filming of ‘Orphan 3’ has officially kicked off, bringing fans one step closer to uncovering what’s next for Esther. And this is the part most people miss: the return of Isabelle Fuhrman in the iconic role sparks anticipation and curiosity about how the story will evolve. But here’s where it gets controversial…
The idea of a new installment in the ‘Orphan’ franchise might seem like just another horror sequel, but for die-hard fans and newcomers alike, it signals something more—an opportunity to explore deeper into Esther’s dark world. Recognizing the success of the 2022 prequel, ‘Orphan: First Kill,’ which starred Fuhrman once again as the adult serial killer pretending to be a child, the filmmakers faced the challenge of making her look convincingly youthful despite her adult appearance. Remarkably, they managed to pull it off, and audiences responded positively, fueling more ambitions for the franchise.
Following the film’s favorable reception, rumors about a third movie started swirling. In November, Lionsgate officially announced their greenlight for a new ‘Orphan’ sequel—tentatively titled ‘Orphans’—and now, the cameras are rolling on this highly anticipated project. The sequel’s production team includes director William Brent Bell and writer David Coggeshall, both of whom previously collaborated on the prequel. Their synopsis hints at more intense, chilling developments: Esther, having escaped from a psychiatric facility in Estonia, heads to America, impersonating a missing girl in a wealthy family. However, her plan hits a snag when she encounters a mother whose fierce protectiveness threatens to expose her true nature.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, it’s confirmed that Fuhrman is reprising her role as Esther. When news of filming leaked online, both Fuhrman and Bell shared a behind-the-scenes clip—Fuhrman dancing cheerfully in her trailer, dressed in Esther’s sinister attire—adding a lighthearted touch to the dark behind-the-scenes action.
Lionsgate is collaborating with Dark Castle Entertainment and Alex Mace of Gnosis Films to bring this new chapter to life. Norman Golightly, Co-CEO of Dark Castle, expressed excitement about continuing the franchise: “Dark Castle is thrilled to add another terrifying chapter to the ‘Orphans’ saga. Given the previous successes and the fresh, intense storyline, we believe ‘Orphan 3’ will be a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.” Additionally, David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who penned the original script, is serving as an executive producer.
In an earlier interview with Bloody Disgusting, Fuhrman teased that ‘Orphan 3’ will feature even more unpredictable, ‘wilder and crazier’ twists than before. When asked whether it would serve as a sequel or prequel, she intriguingly responded that the film will be both—a sort of ‘in-betweenquel’—blending elements of the past and future in Esther’s twisted journey.
Are you excited about the start of filming for ‘Orphan 3’ (or possibly ‘Orphans’)? Do you believe this franchise can deliver something truly fresh and terrifying? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions below—after all, in the world of horror, answers often lie in the shadows, and discussions can reveal even darker truths.