Freddy's Franchise Adds 'Annabelle' Writer Gary Dauberman for Third Installment

Blumhouse and Atomic Monster have hired Gary Dauberman, the screenwriter behind 'It' and 'Annabelle,' to write the script for 'Five Nights at Freddy's 3,' with Emma Tammi expected to return as director, Bleeding Cool reported. Dauberman's horror credentials, which also include 'The Nun' and the recent 'Salem's Lot,' make him a natural fit for the franchise that has turned massive profits on modest budgets. The move signals that Blumhouse is doubling down on the creative team that has delivered two consecutive hits.

Bleeding CoolGary Dauberman to Write Five Nights at Freddy's 3; Emma Tammi Expected to Return as Director

Variety reported that the first two films in the series were major box office successes.

VarietyGary Dauberman, Screenwriter of 'It' and 'Annabelle,' Tapped to Write 'Five Nights at Freddy's 3'

"The 2023 original grossing $297.2 million on a $20 million budget and the 2025 sequel earning $239.6 million on a $36 million budget."

The combined haul of over half a billion dollars on a total production cost of just $56 million helps explain why the studio is moving quickly on a third installment, even as the franchise's audience shows no signs of waning.

Bleeding Cool also reported that Tammi, who directed both previous films, is expected to return behind the camera.

"Emma Tammi, who directed the first two films in the franchise, is expected to return as director."

That continuity, paired with Dauberman's proven ability to craft scares for Blumhouse, suggests the third film will maintain the same tone and style that have made the video game adaptation a reliable earner. With Dauberman now on board, production timelines and a release date will likely come into focus as the script takes shape.