The popular The Blue Elephant film series is preparing to return with its third installment, currently targeted for release in summer 2027, eight years after the second film premiered in 2019.
The new installment is being developed on a larger scale, with changes involving the story, filming locations and cast. Karim Abdel Aziz will once again play Yahya Rashed, while Nelly Karim returns alongside newcomer Dina El Sherbiny.
The Story Did Not End in 2019
The second The Blue Elephant film left room for another chapter in Yahya Rashed’s story, particularly after the major transformations surrounding his character.
In 2023, writer Ahmed Mourad revealed that he had reached an idea for the third installment and indicated that a new force would confront Yahya. He also suggested that the identity of the character connected to the darker side of the story would be among the film’s major surprises.
Since then, one question has remained at the center of anticipation:
Who will face Yahya Rashed this time?
The answer remains a closely guarded secret.
Three Years of Preparation Before Filming
The project did not move immediately from the concept stage to production. Writing and preparations continued for several years before filming officially began on June 4, 2026.
Karim Abdel Aziz announced the start of filming with a picture of the film’s clapperboard, marking the transition from years of preparation to actual production, with summer 2027 targeted for its theatrical release.
Several key figures behind the franchise have returned, including Karim Abdel Aziz, writer Ahmed Mourad and director Marwan Hamed, while Nelly Karim is also back as Lobna.
Lobna Returns Alongside Yahya Rashed
Nelly Karim reprises her role as Lobna, one of the central characters introduced earlier in the franchise.
The actress has indicated that the third installment will be significantly different from the first two films, while keeping details about Lobna’s development and her relationship with Yahya Rashed under wraps.
Her return suggests that the new film will not rely solely on introducing a new threat, but will also continue developing relationships and storylines established throughout the previous installments.
Dina El Sherbiny Joins The Blue Elephant 3
One of the most notable additions to the third installment is Dina El Sherbiny, whose role has been kept largely secret.
Her arrival has generated further questions about the new conflict, particularly because the production has not revealed her character’s relationship with Yahya Rashed or Lobna.
As of the latest statements surrounding the film, the details of her role remain undisclosed. Nelly Karim has nevertheless expressed her happiness about working with Dina El Sherbiny and her optimism about the new addition to the cast.
The Blue Elephant 3 Expands Filming Beyond Egypt
The changes in the third installment extend beyond the characters and storyline. The production is also expanding its filming locations outside Egypt.
European locations have been considered for several scenes, including locations in Spain, reflecting an effort to broaden the visual world of the franchise.
Nelly Karim has indicated that a significant portion of the film has already been shot, although production has not yet completely wrapped. Travel, cast schedules and the scale of the production have contributed to the extended filming period.
A Bigger Production With International Ambitions
Plans for a larger-scale third installment had been discussed years before filming began, including expanded capabilities in cinematography, visual effects, sound and color grading, as well as the possibility of international participation.
However, previously announced plans should be distinguished from confirmed production details. The filmmakers have not provided final confirmation of an international star appearing in the current version or disclosed all foreign companies involved in production and post-production.
Why Has The Blue Elephant 3 Taken So Long?
The first The Blue Elephant film was released in 2014, followed by the second installment in 2019. The third film is now targeted for summer 2027.
The success of the second movie has raised expectations surrounding the new installment. The film surpassed the 100 million Egyptian pound mark at the Egyptian box office, setting a significant commercial benchmark for the franchise.
As a result, the third installment faces the challenge of continuing the story while also expanding on the standards established by its predecessor.
Nelly Karim has described the new film as a difficult challenge following the success of the previous two installments, while expressing confidence in Karim Abdel Aziz, Marwan Hamed and Ahmed Mourad.
The Biggest Secrets Are Still Hidden
Months after filming began, the main details of the new story remain largely undisclosed.
The identity of the force confronting Yahya Rashed remains one of the film’s biggest secrets. Dina El Sherbiny’s character is also being kept under wraps, leaving her role in the central conflict unknown.
Yahya Rashed’s fate following the events of the second film is another major source of curiosity, particularly because the previous ending opened the door to a new stage in his journey.
As the summer 2027 release approaches, the secrecy surrounding the story and characters is likely to remain an important part of the film’s anticipation, especially since mystery and unexpected twists have been central elements of The Blue Elephant franchise from the beginning.
The Blue Elephant 3 Release Date
The Blue Elephant 3 is currently targeted for release in summer 2027.
The third installment brings back key characters while introducing Dina El Sherbiny and expanding filming beyond Egypt. Meanwhile, the identity of Yahya Rashed’s new enemy and the exact nature of the upcoming conflict remain among the film’s biggest unanswered questions.
When will The Blue Elephant 3 be released?
The film is currently targeted for release in summer 2027.
Who stars in The Blue Elephant 3?
Karim Abdel Aziz returns as Yahya Rashed.
Is Nelly Karim returning in The Blue Elephant 3?
Yes. Nelly Karim returns as Lobna.
Is Dina El Sherbiny in The Blue Elephant 3?
Yes. Dina El Sherbiny has joined the third installment, although her character details remain undisclosed.
Who is Yahya Rashed’s enemy in The Blue Elephant 3?
The identity of the new enemy has not been officially revealed and remains one of the film’s biggest secrets
