‘Orphan 3’: Isabelle Fuhrman Teases Wilder Twists In “Inbetweenquel”

The Orphan franchise, sparked by the 2009 horror hit and revitalized by 2022’s Orphan: First Kill, is gearing up for its third chapter. Isabelle Fuhrman, the chilling force behind Esther, is confirmed to return for Orphan 3, a film she describes as “both” a prequel and sequel—an “inbetweenquel” with twists “wilder and crazier” than before. With director William Brent Bell and writer David Coggeshall back at the helm, here’s everything we know about this unexpected horror continuation.

From Cult Hit to Franchise: The Orphan Journey

The original Orphan, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, shocked audiences with its tale of a couple adopting Esther, a seemingly innocent nine-year-old who’s actually Leena Klammer, a 33-year-old serial killer with a rare condition stunting her growth. Grossing $78.8 million on a $20 million budget, per Variety, it became a cult classic despite a 59% Rotten Tomatoes score. Orphan: First Kill, a prequel, cleverly used camera tricks and doubles to let Fuhrman, then 25, reprise her role as a younger Esther, escaping an Estonian psychiatric facility to impersonate a missing American girl. It earned $45 million globally, proving Esther’s enduring appeal.

Orphan 3: An ‘Inbetweenquel’ with Wilder Twists

At Tampa’s Spookala convention in April 2025, Fuhrman dropped tantalizing hints about Orphan 3, as reported by Bloody Disgusting. “It’s already been written; all I can say is the twists are wilder and crazier,” she said, adding that the script’s quality convinced her to return despite concerns about playing a child again. When asked if it’s a prequel or sequel, she called it “both—an inbetweenquel,” suggesting it may bridge First Kill’s early 2000s setting and the 2009 original, possibly exploring the 30 years of Esther’s uncharted life hinted at by Bell. Posts on X, like @BDisgusting’s, echo her tease of “wilder” twists, fueling fan speculation.

Esther’s Survival and Narrative Possibilities

The 2009 film ended with Esther’s apparent death after a brutal fight with Kate Coleman (Vera Farmiga), but an alternate ending showed her alive, opening sequel doors. First Kill delved into her pre-2009 crimes, leaving gaps in her story. Fuhrman’s “inbetweenquel” comment, per ScreenGeek, implies Orphan 3 could weave past and future, perhaps showing Esther’s survival or new schemes between films. Bell told THR the “franchise’s rulebook has been opened,” hinting at bold narrative swings, possibly with new victims or a maternal foe, a recurring theme in the series.

Creative Team and Production Status

Lionsgate greenlit Orphan 3 in November 2024, with Dark Castle Entertainment producing, as announced at the American Film Market, per Variety. William Brent Bell, director of First Kill and The Boy, returns, joined by screenwriter David Coggeshall, who penned the prequel. Fuhrman, now 28, will again play Esther, likely using similar techniques (body doubles, forced perspective) to maintain her childlike guise. Norman Golightly of Dark Castle called it “another terrifying chapter,” confident in its appeal to fans and newcomers. Fuhrman told THR the script’s strength drove her return, noting its evolution from a one-off role at age nine to a franchise.

Challenges and Expectations

The Orphan series thrives on shocking twists—like Esther’s age reveal in 2009 and First Kill’s family dynamics—but topping them is a tall order. The franchise’s mixed reviews (59% and 53% on Rotten Tomatoes) highlight a divide: fans love the camp and Fuhrman’s devilish turn, but critics call it formulaic, per MovieWeb. Bell’s claim of an open “rulebook” and Fuhrman’s tease of “crazier” twists suggest a riskier approach, possibly diving into Esther’s psychological evolution or new horrors. With a combined $125 million gross, per ScreenRant, commercial success is likely, but matching the first film’s cultural impact will be key.

What’s Next for Orphan 3

Plot details remain under wraps, but Fuhrman’s January 2025 update to CBR indicated production was nearing, with preparations underway. If filming starts soon, a 2026 release is plausible, capitalizing on the franchise’s momentum. The “inbetweenquel” concept opens endless possibilities—perhaps Esther manipulates another family or faces a new adversary, as Bell hinted to ScreenRant. Fans on X, like @CriticalOverlo3, are hyped for Fuhrman’s return, expecting another twisty ride. As Esther’s saga continues, Orphan 3 could cement her as horror’s most devious icon.

Are you excited for Orphan 3’s wild twists? What’s your guess for the “inbetweenquel” plot? Share below!