Orphan cult horror is getting a surprise sequel, and eager viewers won’t wait long before reuniting with Esther either because the movie is set to air on Paramount Plus next month.
Named Orphan: First Kill, the official synopsis of the movie says: “Esther’s horrific saga continues in this thrilling prequel to the shocking original horror film Orphan. After orchestrating a fantastic escape from an Estonian psychiatric clinic, Esther travels to America by impersonating the missing daughter of a family Rich, however, an unexpected twist arises that puts her up against a mother who protects her family from a “baby killer” at all costs.
The original Orphan movie was released in 2009 and was a critical and commercial success. A follow-up has been rumored for years, but the project didn’t finally start until 2020. The good news is that after more than a decade of waiting, there are now only a few weeks left until the first orphan is killed. The previous version is scheduled to arrive in Paramount Plus on August 19, and will also receive a theatrical release on the same date.
Even better, we just got our first taste of Orphan: First Kill via a very creepy trailer, though I warn you it’s heavy on spoilers for our taste buds. The preview certainly confirms that there has always been something wrong with Esther, as we see the “child” manipulating another family and committing various atrocities.
Surprisingly, Esther will again play Isabel Fuhrmann. The 25-year-old was only 12 years old when she played Esther in the original movie. But in this game, a smaller version of the same character is played. While the actress’s aging is at least somewhat apparent, measures have been taken to make her look younger.
Impressively, no visual effects were used to reduce Fuhrmann’s life. Instead, a combination of makeup and forced perspective has been used to convincingly promote the idea of Esther being a little girl — or at least someone capable of appearing like a toddler.
For obvious reasons, Fuhrman is the only returning original cast member, and the sequel has also switched directors with William Brent Ball, most famous for directing both of The Boy films, taking over from Jaume Collet-Serra. Whether Orphan can break the curse of disappointing horror sequels will be revealed in just a few weeks when the film hits Paramount Plus on August 19.