Warning: SPOILERS for Smile 2Smile 2is coming to digital platforms, andScreen Ranthas a look at a clip from a bonus featurette. Written and directed by Parker Finn,Smile 2is a follow-up to 2022’sSmile, which was Finn’s feature-length debut. Starring Naomi Scott as the pop star Skye Riley, the horror sequel has earned praise from critics and fans alike, many of whom said that the sequel leaned even further into horror and humor for an even better end product.
Screen Rantis happy to present a behind-the-scenes clip from the digital release ofSmile 2. The clip focuses onLukas Gage’s Lewis Fregoli, specifically diving into the character’s death. The clip features interviews with Gage as well as Naomi Scott and Parker Finn, with each member of the trio discussing aspects of Gage’s performance and why the scene was shot the way it was. Take a look at the clip—you can see it, and other BTS featurettes, on the digital release ofSmile 2, dropping November 19.
Smile 2 Proves Creative Deaths Are The Key To Modern Horror Franchises
Unforgettable deaths can be key ingredients to the staying power of a horror movie or franchise. Films and franchises likeSaw, Final Destination, andPsychohave stood out in part thanks to the memorable nature of their character deaths. AsSmile 2director Parker Finnexplains in the clip above, the creation of signature deaths was a key concern when making the movie. The death of Lukas Gage’s character is a perfect example, as Finn lays out how the act was made to both stand apart from the deaths of the first movie and create a unique experience for viewers.
It’s a testament to Finn’s writing that theSmile Curseat the heart of his films offers an opportunity to constantly explore shocking new ways for characters to die. Because the Smile entity needs a potential host to witness a traumatic event, Finn has written himself an excuse to always look for gruesome ways for characters to pass on. This, in turn, helpsSmilefilms stick in the minds of audiences—maybe even planting the captivating idea that the mere act of watching the movie will invite the Smile entity into their lives.
This idea even plays into the unorthodox way in whichSmileand its sequel end. Few films kill off their protagonists, but the bold choice to do so makes the franchise stand apart from other horror films in a crowded genre market. Finn’s challenge in a potentialSmile 3will undoubtedly be to one-up his work on the two films prior—but with theSmile 2endingseeing an arena full of people susceptible to the Smile entity, he will surely have plenty of opportunities to do so.
Smile 2
Cast
Smile 2 is the sequel to the 2022 psychological horror film by director Parker Finn that centers on a therapist who witnesses a patient’s suicide, leading to a series of terrifying supernatural events. The sequel will see the return of Finn as director, with Paramount continuing distribution.
