In attendance were the film’s stars Naomi Scott, Kyle Gallner, Dylan Gelula, Miles Gutierrez, and Writer/Director/Producer Parker Finn.
SMILE 2: KILLER ANTICIPATION
The Smile 2 premiere was full of excitement, with stars like Naomi Scott, Kyle Gallner, Dylan Gelula, and Miles Gutierrez walking the red carpet alongside Writer/Director/Producer Parker Finn. The sequel, following the original’s shocking ending, promised fans an even bloodier, more intense, and higher-stakes horror experience. And from what we saw, it doesn’t disappoint.
RED CARPET
We had the chance to attend the premiere and speak with the cast and crew. Dylan Gelula shared details about her role and a few of her favorite films when she’s off-set. Kyle Gallner, returning as Joel from the first film, spoke about the excitement and challenges of working on a major horror sequel. Gallner, who recently impressed audiences in Strange Darling (2023), brings a sense of continuity to Smile 2, offering fans of the original something familiar to latch onto.
Plot Overview
Global pop sensation Skye Riley (played by Naomi Scott) is on the brink of a world tour when her life spirals out of control due to a series of terrifying, unexplained events. As these horrors intensify, Skye must confront her past and deal with the crushing pressures of fame before her entire world collapses. The film escalates the tension with every twist, forcing Skye to face much more than just her haunted career.
Overcoming the Sequel Curse
As any horror fan knows, sequels can be hit or miss. But Smile 2 strives to raise the bar, building on the success of the first film. Writer/Director/Producer Parker Finn explained how being both the writer and director allowed him to fully explore the story’s potential while balancing fan expectations. He focused on expanding the terror while maintaining the original’s heart, making the sequel a worthy continuation.
The first Smile (2022) was a breakout success, earning an impressive 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and grossing over $200 million globally on just a $17 million budget. With such a successful debut, Smile 2 had a lot to live up to, and from what we’ve seen, it exceeds expectations. The film honors the original while pushing the horror to new levels, proving that a well-crafted sequel can be just as impactful, if not more so, than the original.
Check out the new trailer below: Smile 2 is in theaters this Friday!
