Director William Brent Bell, known for projects like “The Boy” and “Separation,” took charge of the directorial responsibilities for “Orphan: First Kill,” a prequel film that further cemented Esther’s reputation as an iconic antagonist. Bell recently unveiled his active involvement in developing a sequel, assuring fans that Esther’s gripping exploits will persist.

“We’re in the process of developing a third one now. The scope of the franchise has expanded, allowing for limitless possibilities,” Bell shared in an interview with THR. “Given our progress so far, I’m incredibly thrilled about the unexpected twists and turns we have in the works.”

The prequel, scripted by David Coggeshall, ingeniously brought back Isabelle Fuhrman to portray Esther.

“Orphan: First Kill” delves into Esther’s chilling narrative, serving as a thrilling precursor to the original horror sensation, “Orphan.” After a cunning escape from an Estonian psychiatric institution, Esther assumes the identity of a missing daughter within a wealthy American family. However, a surprising turn of events pits her against a mother fiercely determined to shield her family from the murderous ‘child’ at any cost.

Fuhrman, reprising her role, faced off against Julia Stiles in the prequel, while the original film starred Vera Farmiga. The question now lingers: Who will be Esther’s next adversary?

While Bell remained tight-lipped about the plot of the third installment, he hinted at its innovative direction. “With the shift we’ve taken in the second film, the franchise has expanded its boundaries, making anything conceivable,” Bell remarked. “Given our progress, I’m immensely excited about the unforeseen developments we’re planning.”

Having garnered $12.2 million globally during its 2022 theatrical run, notably reaching a peak of 557 theaters in the United States, the impending return of the franchise hardly surprises.

As more details unfold, stay tuned for further updates. Meanwhile, Bell’s recent horror project, “Lord of Misrule,” premiered last week in both theaters and on VOD platforms.