Springtrap waits at the end of “Five Nights at Freddy’s 3”

A third “Five Nights at Freddy’s” movie is officially in development. Gary Dauberman, whose credits include “Annabelle” and the 2017 adaptation of “It,” has been hired to write the screenplay. No release date has been announced.

The first two films gave Universal and Blumhouse little reason to close Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. The 2023 movie earned more than $291 million worldwide on a reported $20 million budget, while its 2025 sequel brought in more than $238 million. Matthew Lillard had already signed a three-picture deal before the first film opened.

Everything now points toward William Afton returning as Springtrap. “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” ended with warnings that the animatronics could no longer hold him back, and Lillard has said his character is heading toward events associated with the third game. Josh Hutcherson and Piper Rubio are expected to return, though the cast has not been formally confirmed.

The next film has a tougher job than simply adding more killer mascots. The audience knows Afton’s history now. Springtrap needs to look and move like the ruined nightmare players have been waiting for, not a polished suit designed to sell another shelf of toys.