In 2022 Smile took the horror crowd by storm. Written and directed by Parker Finn, Smile was initially meant to go straight to streaming platform, Paramount+. Then the film tested well and the release strategy was changed to a cinema release. Once in movie theatres, Smile managed the near impossible, its second week numbers were on a par with its first. Ultimately Smile grossed $217.4 million internationally, not bad considering its $17 million budget. The success meant that Paramount were itching for more, and a sequel was put into production. A trailer for Smile’s follow-up, Smile 2 has launched today.
Prior to the trailer drop, social media has been awash with promos for the new single, ‘Blood on White Satin’, by fictitious singer, Skye Riley. These promos have now been revealed as teasers for today’s trailer. Given the excellent marketing campaign for Smile, it comes as no surprise that the team have come out of the gates swinging once again.
The plot of Smile 2 is being kept a closely guarded secret, but is thought to revolve around Naomi Scott’s popstar character. Joining Naomi Scott are Lukas Gage, Raúl Castillo, and Rosemarie DeWitt. Of the original cast, the only actor confirmed to return thus far is Kyle Gallner, who played Detective Joel. The ending of Smile positioned Joel to be the next carrier of the deadly curse so we’re not sure how much of him we’ll get this time around. What we are no doubt certain to get however, are more sinister smirks from the ever-present demon, and hopefully a well executed jump-scare or two. Check out the Smile 2 trailer in all its terrifying glory below:
With Parker Finn back as both writer and director, fans are hopeful that this might be one of the few horror sequels that manages to hold up against the original. The trailer certainly points to another strong entry, with the popstar angle opening up some very interesting new directions for the series. Smile 2‘s October release also makes it the perfect scary movie for the spooky season.
Smile 2 is set for release in UK cinemas from 18th October 2024.
