Gary Dauberman to Pen 'Five Nights at Freddy's 3' Script

A New Chapter for Animatronic Terrors

Renowned Horror Writer Joins the Franchise

Gary Dauberman, a screenwriter recognized for his contributions to the horror genre, including scripts for the "Annabelle" and "It" films, has been confirmed as the writer for "Five Nights at Freddy's 3." His extensive background in crafting terrifying narratives, along with his recent work on video game adaptations such as the "Until Dawn" movie and his consulting role for the upcoming "Street Fighter" film, positions him well to lead the next cinematic chapter of the animatronic horror series.

A Shift in Creative Leadership

This decision represents a notable change from the previous films, as the franchise's creator, Scott Cawthon, who was deeply involved in every aspect of the "Five Nights at Freddy's" universe since its inception in 2014, will not be writing the third movie. Cawthon co-wrote the first film and was the sole credited writer for the sequel. For the upcoming installment, he will transition into a producer role, maintaining an advisory capacity while Dauberman takes on the screenwriting duties.

Anticipation Builds for the Third Installment

Details regarding the plot of the third "Five Nights at Freddy's" movie remain under wraps, and the return of cast members like Josh Hutcherson, Piper Rubio, Elizabeth Lail, and Matthew Lillard is yet to be confirmed. Universal Pictures has not announced a release date, but the engagement of a new writer and the expected return of director Emma Tammi signal that the project is progressing towards production. The continued success of the franchise at the box office indicates a strong desire from studios to expand this cinematic universe.

Addressing Past Criticisms and Embracing New Perspectives

Despite their commercial achievements, the "Five Nights at Freddy's" films have faced criticism, particularly concerning their narrative accessibility for audiences unfamiliar with the game's intricate lore. Critics have pointed out that the storylines often assume prior knowledge of the series, making them challenging for newcomers to fully grasp. The introduction of a new writer, independent of the game's original creation, offers an opportunity to refine the storytelling, potentially broadening the appeal and clarity of the narrative for a wider audience while retaining the franchise's core horror elements.