The animatronics are returning, and this time, they are bringing a heavyweight of the horror genre with them. Blumhouse Atomic Monster has officially tapped Gary Dauberman to write the script for the third installment of the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise.

It is a strategic pivot. While the first two films were undeniable financial juggernauts, they were largely savaged by critics. By bringing in Dauberman—the architect behind the It and Annabelle franchises—Blumhouse is clearly signaling a desire to sharpen the series' narrative edge.

The Economics of Haunted Pizza

The Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise has been a masterclass in low-budget, high-return filmmaking. The 2023 original, produced on a lean $20 million budget, hauled in $297.2 million globally. The 2025 sequel followed suit, netting $239.6 million against a $36 million production spend.

Despite these returns, the creative reception has been lukewarm. The films, which star Josh Hutcherson as a security guard trapped in a restaurant filled with murderous animatronics, have struggled to translate the jump-scare mechanics of Scott Cawthon’s video game series into a cohesive cinematic experience. Cawthon himself co-wrote the first film and penned the second solo, but the studio is now looking for a seasoned screenwriter to handle the heavy lifting for the third entry.

Why Dauberman Matters

Dauberman is not just another writer. He is a proven commodity in the horror space. His work on It and The Nun demonstrated an ability to manage massive, franchise-level expectations while maintaining the visceral dread that horror audiences demand.

His hiring suggests that Blumhouse is looking to move beyond the simple "killer mascot" premise. They want a script that can stand on its own merits. If Dauberman can inject the same tension he brought to the Conjuring universe into the Freddy’s world, the third film could finally bridge the gap between box-office dominance and critical respect.

A Return to Form for Blumhouse

The move comes at a pivotal moment for the Blumhouse Atomic Monster merger. After a difficult 2025 that saw underperforming titles like Wolf Man and M3GAN 2.0, the company has found its footing again this summer with hits like Obsession and Backrooms.

Securing a writer of Dauberman’s stature is a statement of intent. They are doubling down on their most valuable IP. They want a hit. They want a better movie.

Key Takeaways

  • Gary Dauberman, known for It and Annabelle, has been hired to write the script for Five Nights at Freddy’s 3.
  • The first two films in the franchise were massive financial successes, grossing over $530 million combined despite poor critical reviews.
  • The move signals a shift in strategy for Blumhouse Atomic Monster, which is prioritizing script quality to sustain the franchise's long-term viability.

Production timelines for the third film have yet to be finalized. With the script now in development, the next major milestone will be the announcement of a director. That choice will determine whether the franchise continues its current trajectory or pivots toward a darker, more critically acclaimed tone.