A Quiet Place 3: Director Jeff Nichols steps down to focus on a sci-fi project set at Paramount

Jeff Nichols, who was set to helm the next A Quiet Place film, has stepped down from the role to pursue another sci-fi project he is developing for Paramount Pictures. 

Deadline says that top agencies are suggesting alternatives for Nichols to the studio, which is working quickly to find a replacement after A Quiet Place II became a box office hit this year.

The report also mentions that not much is known about the third film except that it will be a spinoff taking inspiration from John Krasinski's idea. Paramount intends to expand the Quiet Place universe and create as many projects as they can under the title.

Nichols was also developing the script for the studio, but it's unclear whether the studio will stick with it or hire a new writer instead. The spinoff was set to begin shooting in March, 2022. 

Krasinski and Emily Blunt, who have been part of the original cast, will not be reprising their roles for this untitled film.

Collider writes that A Quiet Place II earned $57 million during its North American opening weekend, followed by $300 million worldwide. It had smashed the pandemic box office record at its time of release. 

The spinoff will be produced by Michael Bay, Andrew Form, and Brad Fuller via Platinum Dunes. Krasinski is also attached as producer along with Allyson Seeger (Saturday Night). 

Nichols is known for films like Take Shelter (2011), Mud (2013), and Midnight Special (2016).