Fans of the cult-favorite slasher franchise Happy Death Day can finally celebrate. After years of speculation and false starts, the third installment of the time-loop horror-comedy series is officially moving forward. The news comes straight from the film’s core team, igniting fresh excitement among horror enthusiasts and long-time supporters of the franchise.
A Surprise Announcement at a Special Screening
The confirmation came during a double-feature screening of Happy Death Day (2017) and Happy Death Day 2U (2019), hosted by the American Cinematheque. Lead actress Jessica Rothe, who plays the beloved protagonist Tree Gelbman, delighted the audience by announcing, “The third movie is moving forward.”
Director and writer Christopher Landon, who helmed the first two films, backed the statement, echoing, “It is moving forward.” This definitive confirmation follows years of industry chatter and fan-driven demand for a third movie.
A Franchise That Defied Genre Expectations
The Happy Death Day franchise stands out for its unique blend of horror, humor, and sci-fi elements. The original film introduced viewers to Tree Gelbman, a college student who repeatedly relives the day of her murder until she can uncover the killer’s identity. The sequel expanded the narrative by delving into quantum physics and alternate dimensions, effectively evolving the franchise into something more than just another slasher series.
Despite Happy Death Day 2U not achieving the same box office success as its predecessor, the films earned critical praise for originality and strong performances—especially from Rothe.
The Long Road to Part 3
Talks of a third installment have been floating around since 2019. In a 2020 interview, Christopher Landon revealed the working title for the third film was Happy Death Day to Us. He also mentioned that Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions considered producing it as a streaming-exclusive project for Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming platform.
While those early plans never came to fruition, fan demand and consistent streaming performance of the existing films appear to have revived the project.
Landon previously stated that a third film would wrap up Tree’s story and answer lingering questions from the previous installments. As of now, no plot details or production timeline has been publicly released, but with both Landon and Rothe officially onboard, development appears to be genuinely underway.
Jessica Rothe’s Return Is Key
One of the most celebrated aspects of the Happy Death Day series is Jessica Rothe’s performance. Her return to the third film all but guarantees the emotional depth and humor fans have come to expect.
In previous interviews, Rothe expressed her interest in returning to the role, praising the franchise for giving her one of the most unique characters in modern horror cinema. With her recent confirmation, fans can rest assured that Tree Gelbman’s journey will continue with the same heart and tenacity.
Streaming Potential and Future of the Franchise
Given the rising trend of reviving cult franchises on streaming platforms, many speculate that Happy Death Day 3 might find a home on Peacock or a similar service. While no platform has been confirmed, Blumhouse Productions—known for its success with low-budget, high-return horror films—is likely to back the project in some capacity.
This approach could follow the model of other recent horror revivals such as Halloween (2018) and Scream (2022), both of which blended nostalgia with contemporary storytelling to great success.
What Fans Can Expect Next
While the plot, cast additions, and release date remain under wraps, fans can likely anticipate further announcements in the coming months. With both key creatives actively promoting the film’s development, a formal reveal—including teaser images or trailers—may not be far off.
Fans interested in staying updated should keep an eye on official pages from:
For broader entertainment news and film release updates, trusted sites like Variety, Deadline, and The Hollywood Reporter also provide up-to-date industry coverage.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Himanshu Sharma writes for Weekend Spy, focusing on recruitment, government schemes, and current affairs. He is dedicated to making complex information accessible to readers.
Himanshu enjoys playing chess, hiking, and trying new recipes, always seeking ways to combine his love for writing with his passion for exploration. Connect with Drop him an email at [email protected].
