The announcement came during an interview with Bloody Disgusting, where Lillard shared that the first draft of the script for Five Nights at Freddy's 3 has already made its rounds to the cast, generating considerable excitement among those involved. "I know the early version of the script came through and everyone’s really excited about it," Lillard stated, adding, "And I know they’re moving to the next level, so we will be shooting in 2027."

This news follows the commercial triumph of the second Five Nights at Freddy's movie in 2025, which, despite receiving mixed critical reviews, solidified the film series' dedicated fanbase and box office potential. Blumhouse, the studio behind the adaptations, is clearly keen to continue the momentum.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming installment is the revelation from June 2026 that Gary Dauberman has been tapped to pen the screenplay. Dauberman is a familiar name in the horror genre, known for his work on 2017's IT and the Annabelle trilogy. This marks a notable shift, as the first FNAF film was co-written by game creator Scott Cawthon, Seth Cuddeback, and Emma Tammi, while Cawthon solely wrote the second. Dauberman's involvement suggests a fresh narrative approach for the third movie, which is expected to draw heavily from the third game in Scott Cawthon's popular video game series.

The previous film, Five Nights at Freddy's 2, left audiences with several tantalizing cliffhangers that FNAF 3 is poised to resolve. Key among these was the Marionette's possession of Vanessa and the chilling post-credits scene teasing the return of Afton as the infamous Springtrap. These plot points hint at a narrative that will blend elements from both the third game and Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach, promising a memorably creepy installment.

Lillard's update arrives at a time of significant expansion for the entire Five Nights at Freddy's universe. The franchise recently saw its characters join Fortnite's Halloween-themed "Fortnitemares" event, a remake of the fan-favorite game The Joy of Creation is slated for 2027, and a physical Freddy Fazbear's Pizza location is set to open at the American Dream mall next year. With such widespread engagement, 2027 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the franchise, both on and off the screen.

While Five Nights at Freddy's 2 faced an underwhelming reception from critics, the consistent commercial success and passionate following suggest that FNAF 3 is nearly guaranteed to be a hit with its core audience. With a new writer and the promise of iconic game elements, the third film has a prime opportunity to not only satisfy fans but also potentially elevate the franchise's critical standing in the horror landscape.