Actor Jessica Rothe has provided an update regarding the long-discussed third installment of the Happy Death Day time-loop horror-thriller trilogy.
Speaking at New York Comic Con while promoting her film River, Rothe stated that she and director Christopher Landon met in April to outline and break the story for a third film. According to Rothe, the collaboration involved taking Landon’s original concepts and integrating them into a direction that satisfies both creators.
Waiting on studio greenlight
While the creative groundwork for the film is established, production depends on studio decisions. Rothe expressed hope that the performance and acquisition of her film River might encourage Universal to revisit the trilogy concept.
“It’s all there, we’re just waiting for the powers-that-be to get the ball rolling,” Rothe said.
Embracing the horror genre
Reflecting on her career in the horror genre, Rothe embraced the label of “scream queen,” describing it as a badge of honor despite personally admitting to being frightened of the dark and various horror films. She also noted the growing trend of horror films featuring multiple final girls, pointing to her shared screen time with Jane Levy in River as a notable highlight.
The original Happy Death Day was released in 2017, followed by the sequel Happy Death Day 2U, both directed by Christopher Landon and starring Rothe as college student Tree Gelbman.