Rothe and Landon Ready 'Happy Death Day 3' for Funding

Actress Jessica Rothe has confirmed that she and writer-director Christopher Landon have completed the script for a potential third installment in the "Happy Death Day" franchise. Rothe, who has been increasingly recognized for her roles in horror films, stated in an interview at Deadline's TIFF Studio that the script for "Happy Death Day 3" is ready, and she and Landon "broke the third movie." The primary obstacle to production is securing funding from the film's studios, Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions. Rothe expressed her eagerness to return to the horror genre and reprise her role as Tree Gelbman, the protagonist who experiences a time loop on her birthday. The first "Happy Death Day" film was released in 2017, followed by "Happy Death Day 2U" in 2019. Both films were produced by Blumhouse Productions and distributed by Universal Pictures. The franchise centers on a college student who must relive the day of her murder repeatedly until she discovers her killer. The critical and commercial success of the first two films has generated significant fan demand for a conclusion to the story. Rothe's comments suggest that the creative team is aligned and prepared to move forward once the financial backing is secured. She indicated that they are actively waiting for Universal and Blumhouse to provide the necessary funding to greenlight the project. The actress has been building her career in the horror genre, with her latest project being the slasher film "River," directed by Joshua Giuliano. This further highlights her continued interest and commitment to the genre that brought her widespread recognition. The "Happy Death Day" franchise is known for its blend of horror, comedy, and science fiction elements, particularly its innovative use of the time-loop narrative. Fans have been anticipating the return of the characters and the resolution of the overarching plotlines. Rothe's statement provides a concrete update on the status of the long-awaited sequel, moving it from speculation to a confirmed, albeit unfunded, project. The involvement of both Blumhouse, a prominent producer of horror films, and Universal Pictures, a major distributor, suggests that the decision to proceed with "Happy Death Day 3" rests on their financial and strategic considerations. The actress's proactive stance and the completion of the script indicate a strong desire from the talent involved to bring the story to a close. The franchise's unique premise and engaging protagonist have cultivated a dedicated fanbase, making the prospect of a third film a highly anticipated event within the horror community. The success of the previous films, which garnered positive reviews and box office returns, provides a strong foundation for a potential sequel. "Happy Death Day" grossed over $125 million worldwide against a $4.8 million budget, while "Happy Death Day 2U" earned over $64 million globally on a $9 million budget. These figures underscore the commercial viability of the franchise.