Will There Be R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead 3? The Afraid of Clowns Connection Explained

Tubi’s “R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead 2” brings audiences back to Redhaven, where Sam and Becka confront another supernatural mystery involving the town’s troubled harvest traditions. Released on October 9, 2026, the sequel expands the world introduced in the original movie while bringing in Cassandra Peterson as a mysterious witch. With writer-director Jem Garrard continuing to develop Redhaven’s mythology, another installment seems like a natural possibility. Interestingly, Tubi has already announced its next R.L. Stine movie, although it will not carry the “Pumpkinhead 3” title.

Is Pumpkinhead 3 Confirmed?

There has been no official announcement of a movie titled “R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead 3.” However, Tubi confirmed in October 2026 that its next collaboration with the “Goosebumps” author will be “R.L. Stine’s Afraid of Clowns,” scheduled for release in 2027. It will become the third movie in the streaming service’s developing collection of R.L. Stine adaptations, following the two Pumpkinhead films. Garrard will return to write and direct, ensuring creative continuity even as the story moves toward a different supernatural mystery.

Rather than producing another direct continuation of Sam’s adventures, the filmmaker is using Redhaven as a setting for new stories. This approach allows the series to introduce different characters while retaining the small town’s unusual history. The announcement suggests that Tubi sees potential in developing a connected collection of films rather than concentrating exclusively on Pumpkinhead. Whether a third movie featuring Sam will eventually follow remains unknown.

Also Read: Is R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead 2 Based on a Book? The Original Haunting Hour Story Explained

How Is Afraid of Clowns Connected?

“Afraid of Clowns” takes place in Redhaven, the same fictional town where the Pumpkinhead curse first emerged. The story follows Frankie, a young girl who becomes suspicious when Ringmaster Rollo and his traveling circus arrive in town. She believes the performers may have a connection to a child who disappeared years earlier and begins worrying about her younger brother. Determined to understand what is happening, Frankie asks her friends to help investigate the mysterious visitors.

The announced cast includes Frankie Honey, Ava Ferrer, Azriel Dalman, Joe Moore and Jimbo, the winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” Season 8. Although the premise introduces an entirely different storyline, the shared location creates opportunities for connections to the previous movies. Redhaven’s history already contains numerous unexplained supernatural events, making it a suitable setting for more adaptations of Stine’s work.

Will Sam and Becka Return?

Tubi has not confirmed that Bean Reid or Adeline Lo will return as Sam and Becka in “Afraid of Clowns.” Cassandra Peterson’s involvement has likewise not been announced, despite her character’s knowledge of Redhaven’s supernatural history. The upcoming movie currently appears to concentrate on Frankie and the mysterious circus rather than continuing the Pumpkinhead storyline directly. Any appearance by returning characters would therefore be speculation until further casting details are released.

When Will Afraid of Clowns Release?

“R.L. Stine’s Afraid of Clowns” is officially scheduled to premiere on Tubi sometime in 2027, although an exact release date has not been announced. The movie also draws its title from another short story included in Stine’s 1999 collection “Nightmare Hour,” the same book that introduced “Pumpkinhead.” This literary connection strengthens the relationship between the upcoming adaptation and its predecessors, even if their main characters are different. For now, “Afraid of Clowns” is the confirmed next chapter in Redhaven’s supernatural world, while “Pumpkinhead 3” remains unannounced.