The excitement is building as Happy Death Day franchise lead actress Jessica Rothe and acclaimed director Christopher Landon have confirmed that Happy Death Day 3 is officially progressing into production. Fans of the franchise can finally rejoice!
Director Christopher Landon, who helmed both Happy Death Day (you can watch it HERE) and its sequel Happy Death Day 2U (available to watch HERE), made it clear following the release of Happy Death Day 2U that he had ambitious plans for a third installment titled Happy Death Day to Us. Despite the remarkable success of the original film, which grossed over $125 million globally against a modest budget of just under $5 million, the sequel’s performance was more modest, earning $64 million on a $9 million budget. While this is still commendable, it created hesitation for distributor Universal Pictures to invest in another sequel, leading to a six-year wait for fans. Thankfully, it seems that Happy Death Day 3 is finally on the path to becoming a reality!
In an exciting announcement during a double feature screening of the beloved first two films at the American Cinematheque, Jessica Rothe revealed, “The third movie is moving forward.” Director Landon was also present and confirmed her statement, adding, “It is moving forward.” While further details were not disclosed, the confirmation from both key figures in the franchise has reignited hope among fans eagerly waiting for more thrilling content.
To refresh your memory on the gripping plots of the previous films, the original Happy Death Day follows Teresa “Tree” Gelbman as she experiences her birthday as the worst day of her life. It begins with her waking up in a stranger’s bed and ends with her being brutally murdered by a masked killer. However, instead of ending, she finds herself reliving the same day over and over again, battling to uncover her killer’s identity while navigating a series of deadly encounters. The sequel, Happy Death Day 2U, picks up the storyline seamlessly as Tree believes she has escaped her nightmare, only to discover that the same day is repeating with a new masked psychopath targeting her and her friends. It’s an unexpected twist that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, as the stakes get higher, and death makes a chilling return.
Director Landon has previously discussed the possibility of transforming Happy Death Day 3 into a three-part streaming event for Peacock, but that concept did not materialize. There have also been playful ideas about a crossover between the characters of Happy Death Day and another one of Landon’s popular slasher films, Freaky. However, Landon clarified that while it was an entertaining notion, no formal treatment for such a crossover exists at this time. His focus remains on bringing Happy Death Day 3 / Happy Death Day to Us to fruition, and fans are hopeful for more exciting updates soon.
Are you excited to learn that Happy Death Day 3 / Happy Death Day to Us is finally progressing? We invite you to share your thoughts and excitement by leaving a comment below!
