A prequel to horror movie 'Orphan' is in the works.

'Orphan' hit theatres in 2009 and in spite of a mixed critical reception, a follow-up is in the making.

The movie will be titled 'Esther' after the horror's creepy child antagonist.

There's no word yet on whether any of the original cast members, who include Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, and Isabelle Fuhrman will be back, but it's highly unlikely.

The prequel will be directed by William Brent Bell, who also helmed 'Brahms: The Boy II', which hits cinemas this week. Bell previously directed its predecessor 'The Boy' and supernatural horror 'The Devil Inside'.

'Orphan' followed a family in mourning who decide to adopt a child, Esther. But she starts acting creepy and there's a sinister twist regarding where she came from...

We won't spoil anything here. But we don't really get how a prequel is going to work given the way the 2009 movie ended.

Story-wise this prequel reportedly follows Lena Klammer (later Esther) as she escapes from a Russian psychiatric facility, makes her way to America, impersonates the missing daughter of a wealthy family, and comes head-to-head with a mother who'll do anything to protect her clan.

We're guessing Esther lives given 'Orphan' follows.

David Coggeshall is penning the script.

'Esther' commences production later this year.