A third installment of the popular Egyptian sports-comedy franchise El Harifa is officially in development, with producer Tarek El Ganainy confirming that early preparations for El Harifa 3 are now underway.
The film is currently targeting a 2027 theatrical release, although El Ganainy has said the project could move to 2028 if production takes longer than expected.
A Third Chapter Is Taking Shape
El Ganainy revealed that the team has already begun working on the basic idea for the third film after the commercial success of the first two installments.
The producer said the creative team has reached a concept that could form the foundation of the new story, but the project remains at an early preparation stage. That means filming dates, the full cast and additional production details have not yet been officially announced.
The current plan is to bring the film to cinemas in 2027. However, El Ganainy stressed that the team does not want to rush the process, leaving 2028 as an alternative if more time is needed to properly develop the sequel.
The Original Cast Is Expected to Return
Reports surrounding the announcement indicate that the third installment is expected to continue with the core cast from the previous films.
The franchise has become closely associated with its young ensemble and football-centered storylines, making the chemistry between its returning characters a major part of its popularity.
More casting details are likely to emerge once the screenplay and production schedule move further forward.
Building on the Success of the First Two Films
The decision to develop El Harifa 3 comes after the strong reception of the franchise’s first two films.
The original El Harifa introduced audiences to a group of young football players whose friendships and ambitions develop through street football and competition. Its mix of sports, comedy and youth-oriented storytelling helped turn the film into a major box-office success.
That momentum continued with El Harifa 2: El Remontada, which expanded the story and reunited much of the original cast. The sequel arrived in Egyptian cinemas in December 2024 and further established the title as one of the country’s most recognizable recent youth franchises.
According to recent coverage, the success of the sequel played a major role in encouraging the producers to move forward with a third chapter.
Why 2027 Is Only a Preliminary Date
Although 2027 is currently being discussed as the planned release year, it is important to treat that date as tentative rather than final.
El Ganainy has explicitly said that the team will only release the film once they are satisfied with the new idea and its execution. If development or production requires additional time, the third installment could instead arrive in 2028.
No exact release month or filming start date has been announced.
What Could Come Next?
The next major update is likely to involve the completed screenplay, returning cast members and the start of principal photography.
With the third film still in the development stage, story details remain under wraps, but the expectation is that the new installment will continue building on the combination of football, friendship and comedy that made the franchise successful.
For now, one thing is confirmed: El Harifa is becoming a trilogy.
After two successful films, El Harifa 3 is officially moving forward, with 2027 set as the current target for the franchise’s return to cinemas.
