Republic Pictures Acquires U.S. Rights to "Orphans," the Prequel to the "Orphan" Franchise

Republic Pictures has secured the U.S. rights to the upcoming film "Orphans," a prequel to the "Orphan" franchise, from Dark Castle Entertainment. The film, which is nearing the completion of production in Budapest, features Isabelle Fuhrman reprising her role as Esther, the adult serial killer who poses as a child. Joining Fuhrman in the cast are Stephen Moyer, Susanne Wuest, and Simon Man. The film is directed by William Brent Bell, who also helmed the 2022 prequel "Orphan: First Kill," with a screenplay by David Coggeshall.

Republic Pictures picks up the U.S. rights to the third Orphan film, which is titled Orphans‘Orphan’ Prequel ‘Orphans’ Starring Isabelle Fuhrman Acquired by Republic PicturesDeadline Hollywood

The "Orphan" franchise began with the original film released in 2009, which grossed approximately $78 million globally. The 2022 sequel, "Orphan: First Kill," earned over $37 million, bringing the franchise's total box office to around $115 million.

‘Orphan’ Prequel ‘Orphans’ Starring Isabelle Fuhrman Acquired by Republic Pictures

"Orphans" is produced and financed by Dark Castle, with Lionsgate handling international rights. The deal for U.S. rights was brokered by Sejin Croninger, EVP of Worldwide Acquisitions at Paramount Pictures, and Dark Castle's Norman Golightly. Golightly, along with franchise veterans Alex Mace and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, serves as a producer. Fuhrman also takes on the role of executive producer alongside Kelly Gallagher and Victor Moyers.

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The production team is employing various techniques, including makeup and body doubles, to portray Fuhrman as a younger version of Esther, a challenge given her age of 28 at the time of filming.

Republic Pictures picks up the U.S. rights to the third Orphan film, which is titled Orphans

Norman Golightly expressed enthusiasm about the film, stating, “Surrounding Isabelle with Stephen, Simon, and Susanne will deliciously add to the twists, turns, and kills that Orphan fans have come to love and expect from the franchise.” Sejin Croninger added, “We’re thrilled to bring the next chapter of the Orphan franchise to audiences across the U.S. Dark Castle has built an iconic series, and this new installment expands that world in bold and unexpected ways.”

‘Orphan’ Prequel ‘Orphans’ Starring Isabelle Fuhrman Acquired by Republic Pictures

While the franchise has garnered a dedicated fanbase, some critics have expressed skepticism regarding the necessity of additional prequels and sequels. Concerns have been raised about the potential for diminishing returns in storytelling and originality, especially given the unique premise of the original film.

Republic Pictures picks up the U.S. rights to the third Orphan film, which is titled Orphans

Isabelle Fuhrman has hinted that the next installment, referred to as "Orphan 3," will feature “wilder and crazier” twists than its predecessors, describing it as both a prequel and a sequel, or an “inbetweenquel.” As production wraps up, anticipation builds for the film's release and its reception among audiences familiar with the franchise.

Republic Pictures picks up the U.S. rights to the third Orphan film, which is titled Orphans

• “Surrounding Isabelle with Stephen, Simon, and Susanne will deliciously add to the twists, turns, and kills that Orphan fans have come to love and expect from the franchise.” — Norman Golightly, Producer

Republic Pictures picks up the U.S. rights to the third Orphan film, which is titled Orphans

• “We’re thrilled to bring the next chapter of the Orphan franchise to audiences across the U.S. Dark Castle has built an iconic series and this new installment expands that world in bold and unexpected ways,” — Sejin Croninger, EVP, Worldwide Acquisitions, Paramount Pictures.

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