Five Nights at Freddy's 3 movie lands Gary Dauberman as writer

At a glance:

• Gary Dauberman, known for writing the 'It' films and 'Conjuring' spinoffs, is scripting 'Five Nights at Freddy's 3' for Blumhouse.
• This marks the first official update on the sequel, following the second film's $240 million global box office despite poor critical reception.
• Scott Hawthorn, the franchise's creator, is absent from writing duties for the first time, while director Emma Tammi is expected to return.

A New Chapter for the Franchise

Blumhouse has confirmed that Gary Dauberman will pen the screenplay for the upcoming third installment in the 'Five Nights at Freddy's' film series. The move signals a fresh creative direction for the horror franchise, which has struggled to balance commercial success with critical acclaim. Dauberman's background in crafting high-concept horror narratives, including his work on the 'It' movies and 'Annabelle: Creation,' positions him to tackle the uniquely twisted world of Freddy Fazbear's pizzeria.

This appointment is notable because it marks the first time a 'Five Nights at Freddy's' film will be written without involvement from Scott Hawthorn, the game's creator who co-wrote the first film's script and held sole writing credit for the second. Hawthorn's absence raises questions about how closely the movie will adhere to the lore established in the original games and previous films. While his creative imprint has defined the series so far, the transition to a new writer could open the door to fresh interpretations of the haunted animatronic mythology.

Box Office Success Amidst Critical Challenges

The second film in the series, which launched in December 2025, defied a lukewarm reception from critics and fans to gross $240 million worldwide. This figure underscores the enduring appeal of the Freddy Fazbear universe, even as it highlights a growing divide between audience turnout and critical opinion. The financial performance suggests that the franchise's core fanbase remains engaged, but it also puts pressure on future installments to evolve beyond the established formula.

The disparity between commercial success and critical reception has become a defining characteristic of the 'Five Nights at Freddy's' movie series. While fans continue to pack theaters, the mixed reviews have sparked discussions about the adaptation's fidelity to the source material and its ability to deliver genuine scares. With Dauberman at the helm, the third film will need to strike a delicate balance between honoring the franchise's roots and introducing elements that could resonate more strongly with both critics and newcomers.

The Return of the Director and Uncertainty Around the Cast

Director Emma Tammi is expected to return for the third film, bringing her vision to the continuation of Mike Schmidt's story. Her return provides a sense of continuity for a series that has shown willingness to evolve its narrative structure. However, the fate of the main trio from the first two films remains unclear. Josh Hutcherson, who plays Mike, Elizabeth Lail as Vanessa, and Piper Rubio as Abby have all portrayed central roles, but their return for the next chapter is currently a question mark.

The ending of the second film left Vanessa's body possessed by the Marionette animatronic, creating an open narrative that could either see the Schmidt family return or introduce an entirely new set of characters. This flexibility allows the franchise to explore different storylines while maintaining its core themes of family, loss, and the consequences of tampering with dark forces. The decision on whether to bring back the original cast could significantly impact the film's reception, as fans have grown attached to these particular portrayals of the characters.

Looking Ahead

As the industry awaits further details on 'Five N nights at Freddy's 3,' the combination of a new writer and returning director sets the stage for a potentially pivotal entry in the franchise. Dauberman's track record with horror adaptations suggests a focus on scares and atmospheric tension, which could help address one of the criticisms of the previous films. Meanwhile, the absence of Scott Hawthorn from the writing process marks a significant shift that could either invigorate the series or alienate longtime fans.

The success of the third film will likely hinge on how well it integrates new creative voices with the established mythology of the animatronic antagonists. With a global box office that has already proven the concept's viability, the challenge now is to elevate the storytelling to match the financial investment. As more details emerge, all eyes will be on how Blumhouse navigates the next chapter of this haunted legacy.