In 2022,Parker Finnmade an everyday facial movement absolutely terrifying when he unleashedSmileupon the world.Unique, grotesque, and downright chilling, theSosie BaconandKyle Gallner-led film was a hit with critics and audiences alike, earning a Certified Fresh approval rating of 79% onRotten Tomatoes. Two years after the smile curse was unveiled to theater-goers around the world, Finn came back with a vengeance through his 2024 film,Smile 2. There’s no arguing that last year was incredibly wonderful for genre fans, and, at the top of that entertainment list, you’d find Finn’s follow-up feature. StarringNaomi Scottas Skye Riley, a pop superstar who’s been infected by the grinning curse, the movie became one of the genre’s top-grossers of the year and was a favorite among audiences. But, what’s next for the blossoming franchise?
As those who’ve seenSmile 2will know, the movie left things on adismal and chaotic note, with the Smiler demon having now infected thousands of people. Catching up with Finn on the red carpet at the Saturn Awards, Collider’sAidan Kelleypicked the director’s brain about where he envisioned the story going should Paramount give the green light for a third installment. Revealing the path that he’d like to see the hopeful threequel take, Finn said:
“I think that if there were more directions forSmileto go in I’d want to make sure that it stays verythoughtful and sort of thematic and emotionally grounded with charactersbecause I think that’s what makes theSmilemovies work and I want to make sure that it continues to be fresh and unexpected, so we’ll have to see.”
Parker Finn’s Collaborative Set
Scott’s performance as the tortured singer was undeniably one of the best of the year, with many believing she wassnubbed by the award circuit powers that be. Finn had nothing but incredible things to say about theAnatomy of a Scandalalum, referring to her talent as the “perfect storm” to take on a role as complicated as Skye Riley. Giving Kelley some insight into the casting process and how he runs his sets, Finn said:
“Well, I think that I always treat my actors, especially my leads, sort of as my partner in crime. It’s really about getting onto the same page and really understanding the role and creating the space for them to perform. And I think that it starts on the page, of course, and then casting is such an important part of the filmmaking process and it’s about finding the right person. I think thatNaomi was such a perfect stormfor the character of Skye Riley. She’s so talented.She sings, she dances, and she was able to go to these really extreme emotional placesand yeah, I loved working with her.”
Smile 2is now streaming on Paramount+. Stay tuned to Collider for more to come from the Saturn Awards.
