Paramount has just released the first spine-tingling trailer for “Smile 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to the 2022 horror hit. Scheduled for release on October 18, this new installment centers on a pop star, portrayed by Naomi Scott, who is driven to madness by a malevolent curse that manifests as eerie, sinister smiles.
Parker Finn returns as the writer and director, continuing the chilling saga alongside Kyle Gallner, who reprises his role as police officer Joel. The story of “Smile” revolves around a relentless demon that induces its victims to commit suicide by appearing as different individuals with unnerving smiles.
In the original film, the terror concluded with Joel witnessing the horrifying death of his ex-girlfriend Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon), who lights herself on fire while under the influence of the grinning demon. The curse stipulates that whoever sees a victim’s death at the hands of this entity becomes the next target, suggesting that Joel may now face a similar grim fate. Other cast members include Lukas Gage, Rosemarie DeWitt, Dylan Gelula, Raúl Castillo, and Miles Gutierrez-Riley.
Originally intended for a streaming release on Paramount+, the studio opted for a full theatrical release for “Smile,” a move that resulted in a global box office success of $217 million. This overwhelming success led Paramount to greenlight a sequel, hinting at the birth of a new horror franchise. Reflecting on the first film’s impact, Finn stated, “There are still many intriguing aspects of this world that remain unexplored, intentionally leaving room for more.”
