Paramount Pictures has unveiled the first official trailer for Parker Finn's eagerly anticipated Smile 2, a sequel to his 2022 psychological supernatural horror hit that achieved both critical and commercial success globally. The original film, known for its intense and unsettling atmosphere, left audiences clamoring for more, and this follow-up promises to delve even deeper into the terrifying world Finn created.
Smile 2 stars Naomi Scott (Power Rangers, Aladdin) as global pop sensation Skye Riley. As Skye prepares for her new world tour, she begins to experience increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and the pressures of fame, she is forced to confront her dark past in a desperate bid to regain control of her life before it spirals completely out of control. The plot suggests a deep psychological struggle, blending the supernatural with the intense scrutiny and isolation that often accompany celebrity life.
The supporting cast includes an impressive lineup of talent. Rosemarie DeWitt (Rachel Getting Married, Poltergeist), Kyle Gallner (American Sniper, Jennifer's Body), Lukas Gage (Euphoria, The White Lotus), Miles Gutierrez-Riley (The Wilds, American Gigolo), Peter Jacobson (House, Colony), Raúl Castillo (Looking, Army of the Dead), Dylan Gelula (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, First Girl I Loved), and Ray Nicholson (Promising Young Woman, Panic) all bring their unique skills to the ensemble.
Kyle Gallner reprises his role as Joel, suggesting that the sequel will pick up almost immediately after the events of the previous film. In Smile, Joel inherited the curse from Rose (played by Sosie Bacon) during the film's climax. The teaser hints that Joel will pass the curse on to someone else, though whether he meets a gruesome end remains to be seen. Given the malevolent nature of the entity at the heart of the story, the outlook for Joel is grim.
For those needing a refresher, the monster in Smile is a malevolent, supernatural entity that feeds on trauma and despair. It transfers from one person to another through a chain of horrific events. After witnessing someone commit suicide while wearing a sinister smile, the cursed individual is haunted by terrifying hallucinations of smiling figures. This entity drives its victims to madness, ultimately forcing them to kill themselves in front of a witness, thus continuing the cycle of horror.
Considering that the original Smile grossed over $218.5 million worldwide ($105.9 million domestically and $112.6 million internationally) on an estimated $17 million production budget, the studio is optimistic about the sequel's potential for success. With a strong cast, a compelling plot, and the promise of even more intense scares, Smile 2 is poised to captivate audiences and deliver another thrilling cinematic experience. Fans of the first film and newcomers alike will be eagerly awaiting its release, anticipating a horror film that both challenges and terrifies.
Smile 2 hits theaters on October 18!
Watch the official trailer below:
About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and the pressures of fame, Skye is forced to face her dark past to regain control of her life before it spirals out of control.