Director Christopher Landon’s latest film, Drop, has garnered critical acclaim and heightened anticipation for the upcoming threequel in the Happy Death Day franchise. Both the original film and its follow-up, Happy Death Day 2U, achieved widespread success at the box office and have established themselves as pivotal entries in the modern slasher genre. These films innovatively revamp traditional slasher tropes by positioning their protagonist in a time loop, compelling her to repeatedly confront her murder by a baby-faced killer.
After a period of uncertainty regarding the future of the franchise, Christopher Landon and franchise star Jessica Rothe officially confirmed Happy Death Day 3 in April 2025. Initial concerns arose when Happy Death Day 2U failed to meet box office expectations, despite its impressive gross of over $60 million against a modest $9 million budget. Nevertheless, with a third installment in production, fans are eager to see whether it will premiere in theaters or on a streaming platform. The recent success of Landon’s latest movie may bode well for the future of the franchise.
Drop: Another Engaging Thriller from Christopher Landon
Landon’s Impressive Track Record of Thrillers
Released on April 11, 2025, Drop — starring Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar — has received positive reviews, further affirming Landon’s prowess as a director. In this mystery-thriller, Fahy plays a widowed mother ensnared in a deadly game while on her first date in years. Under the dire threat of an unknown assailant holding her son hostage, she must navigate a series of cryptic messages demanding compliance to ensure their safety.
The film skillfully utilizes limited settings—the protagonist’s home and a restaurant—while deftly integrating modern technology into its suspenseful narrative. Critics have praised the film for its compelling twists and a nail-biting climax, showcasing the talents of Emmy-nominated actress Meghann Fahy. This film marks yet another triumph for Landon, who continues to craft engaging thriller experiences beyond the Happy Death Day series.
Exploring New Terrains in Horror: Landon’s Recent Endeavors
Diverse Genres in Landon’s Recent Films
Since completing the Happy Death Day films in 2019, Landon has ventured into various horror subgenres. His next project, Freaky, introduces a dark comedic twist on the body-swap genre, where a teenage girl finds herself inhabiting the body of a serial killer. Following that, he directed We Have A Ghost (2023), a humorous horror-comedy that capitalizes on social media culture.
His latest creation, Drop, redefines his approach with a pure thriller ambiance that eschews comedic elements. In total, Landon’s contributions to the horror landscape, including the critically acclaimed Heart Eyes, demonstrate his versatility and depth as a filmmaker. This evolution suggests that he will infuse Happy Death Day 3 with fresh ideas, building on the previous films while avoiding repetitive themes.
Anticipating Happy Death Day 3: A Promising Future
Landon’s Peak Creativity and Skill
Having experienced the taut suspense of Drop, it is evident that Landon is operating at the zenith of his creative abilities. This film stands out as one of his best-directed thrillers, marking a shift from the comedic undertones of his previous works. This adaptability sends a reassuring signal that Happy Death Day 3 will not retread old ground.
Given the unique premise of the franchise—where the lead character endures her murder repeatedly—it would be simple for Landon to recycle past themes. However, his exploration of diverse genres instills confidence that he can produce an innovative and fresh sequel. If Drop is any indication, Happy Death Day 3 promises to be a highly anticipated and worthwhile addition to the series.