Based on Paramount+’s official production update, the core cast – Peyton List (Maddie), Milo Manheim (Wally), Rainbow Wedell (Rhonda), Kiara Pichardo (Charley), Spencer MacPherson (Xander), Nick Pugliese (Mr. Martin), Sarah Yarkin (Claire), and Josh Zuckerman (Alan) – has returned. Significantly, Ciara Hang Ma (Quinn) and Miles Elliott (Yuri) have been elevated to series regulars. The big surprise? Iconic actress Jennifer Tilly (Chucky, Bound) joins the fray as Split River High’s enigmatic new superintendent, Dr. Deborah Hunter-Price. Recurring roles also go to Ari Dalbert (Inhumans) as Kyle and Erika Swayze (Accused) as Livia, though their characters’ supernatural connections remain shrouded in mystery.
What’s Driving the Season 3 Plot?
The upcoming season pivots on the devastating cliffhanger from Season 2’s finale. After Maddie reclaimed her body from Janet (Jess Gabor), and the true villainy of Mr. Martin was exposed, a new horror emerged: Maddie’s living best friend, Simon Elroy (Kristian Ventura), became trapped within Mr. Martin’s torturous supernatural prison, known as the “scar.” Paramount+’s official Season 3 logline states: “Maddie must face the dangerous mystery behind Split River High School in order to save her best friend who might be lost forever.” This sets up a desperate rescue mission for Maddie and the ghost squad. Expect deeper exploration of the scar’s terrifying mechanics, the lingering threat posed by Mr. Martin, and the potential fallout of Janet’s decision to remain as a spirit guide. The stakes for Maddie and Simon have never been higher, promising intense emotional and supernatural peril.
When Will Fans Return to Split River High?
While Paramount+ officially greenlit Season 3 in March 2025, filming only kicked off in late July. Historically, production for the series takes several months, followed by post-production for its visual effects-heavy supernatural elements. Based on this timeline and industry standards reported by outlets like Variety, viewers can realistically expect School Spirits Season 3 to premiere on Paramount+ sometime in 2026. An exact release date will likely be announced later in the production cycle. The wait will be tough for fans left reeling by Simon’s fate, but the promise of Jennifer Tilly’s involvement and the high-stakes rescue plot ensures anticipation will remain sky-high.
The ghosts of Split River High are back, and Season 3 promises their most dangerous adventure yet. With Maddie fighting to save Simon from an unspeakable fate, beloved characters returning, and thrilling new additions like Jennifer Tilly shaking things up, School Spirits Season 3 is shaping up to be a must-watch supernatural mystery event. Mark your calendars for 2026 and prepare to dive back into the afterlife.
Must Know
- Is Jennifer Tilly joining School Spirits Season 3?
Yes! Academy Award-nominated actress Jennifer Tilly (Chucky, Bound) has joined the cast of School Spirits Season 3 in a major recurring role. She will play Dr. Deborah Hunter-Price, the new superintendent of Split River High School. Her character’s role in the supernatural mysteries remains to be seen. - What is the main plot of School Spirits Season 3?
Season 3 focuses on Maddie’s mission to rescue her best friend, Simon Elroy (Kristian Ventura), who became trapped in Mr. Martin’s supernatural prison (the “scar”) during the Season 2 finale. Maddie must confront the dangerous secrets of Split River High to save him before he’s lost forever. - Who is returning for School Spirits Season 3?
The entire main cast is returning, including Peyton List (Maddie), Milo Manheim (Wally), Rainbow Wedell (Rhonda), Kiara Pichardo (Charley), Spencer MacPherson (Xander), Nick Pugliese (Mr. Martin), Sarah Yarkin (Claire), and Josh Zuckerman (Alan). Additionally, Ciara Hang Ma (Quinn) and Miles Elliott (Yuri) have been promoted to series regulars. - When does School Spirits Season 3 come out?
Filming for Season 3 began in late July 2025. Given typical production and post-production schedules for the series, Paramount+ is expected to release School Spirits Season 3 sometime in 2026. An exact premiere date has not yet been announced. - Where was School Spirits Season 3 filmed?
Production has returned to Split River High, meaning filming is taking place on the established sets used for the first two seasons. Specific location details beyond the studio sets are typically not publicly disclosed by the production.
