Five Nights at Freddy's 3 Will Film in 2027

Actor Matthew Lillard confirmed that production on the third installment of the film series will begin in 2027.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Horror

Five Nights at Freddy's 3 Will Film in 2027

Live Poll

Do you plan to watch the upcoming Five Nights at Freddy's 3 movie in theaters?

The third film in the Five Nights at Freddy's franchise will enter production in 2027. Screenwriter Gary Dauberman has finished the first draft of the script.

Why it matters

The franchise continues to expand its cinematic universe following the release of the second film in 2025. This next installment will draw inspiration from the third game in the series.

The production team has officially completed the first draft of the script for the third film. This comes after the franchise saw its second movie release in 2025.

The players

Matthew Lillard

He is an American actor known for his roles in various popular film franchises including Scooby-Doo and Scream.

Gary Dauberman

He is a screenwriter and director recognized for his extensive work on major horror film properties and franchises.

The details

Screenwriter Gary Dauberman, who was hired in June 2026, has already provided the initial script draft to the cast. Matthew Lillard is set to reprise his role as the character William Afton for the project.

Timeline

  1. The second film in the franchise was released in 2025.

  2. Gary Dauberman was hired to write the script in June 2026.

  3. Filming for Five Nights at Freddy's 3 begins in 2027.

  4. The Joy of Creation remake is scheduled for release in 2027.

  5. A Freddy Fazbear's Pizza location will open in 2027.

Industry Dynamics

This production timeline reflects the broader Hollywood strategy of converting successful horror game franchises into consistent cinematic series. The film expands upon a property that now includes upcoming physical venue experiences and game remakes.

Fans can anticipate the upcoming 2027 filming window as a milestone for the franchise's cinematic growth. The expansion into a physical location at the American Dream mall provides a new way for audiences to engage with the brand outside of the theater.

The takeaway

The continued development of this franchise highlights the significant cross-media influence of modern horror titles. Fans should watch for further casting and production updates as the 2027 start date approaches.

Further reading

For more on the latest trends in the genre, visit the Horror section.

Live Poll

Do you plan to watch the upcoming Five Nights at Freddy's 3 movie in theaters?