Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for Smile 2, now in theaters.
Following the success of 2022’s Smile, writer-director Parker Finn returns with the highly anticipated sequel, Smile 2. The film introduces a fresh storyline centered around Skye Riley (played by Naomi Scott), a troubled pop star whose life spirals as she grapples with haunting, violent visions.
Finn spoke with Variety about his approach to the sequel, the film’s unique ending and the potential for more sequels in the franchise.
Discussing the creative process behind Smile 2, Finn explained that he wanted to surprise audiences with a new direction.
“I wrote and directed the first film to stand on its own,” Finn said, adding, “I didn’t want to make a sequel just for the sake of it. If I was going to bring audiences back, it had to be something unexpected.”
The idea of focusing on a music superstar emerged after a period of brainstorming. Finn described the character of Skye Riley as a “mega pop star,” who, despite her glamorous public persona, faces intense personal struggles. He drew inspiration from the lives of real-world celebrities, noting, “Taylor Swift can’t be Taylor Swift all the time.”
The contrast between Riley’s public image and her private turmoil became a key element in the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
The sequel delves into darker themes, including Riley’s disintegration as she becomes increasingly isolated. Finn wanted to move away from traditional horror settings like basements or attics, instead presenting a “glitzy, glamorous world” that still feels “frigid and isolating.”
With an $11 million budget increase compared to the first film, Finn admitted that creating the opulent world of a pop star was a challenge.
“We knew we were going to pour a 10-gallon movie into a 5-gallon bucket,” he said, crediting his creative team for making it work within a modest budget.
When asked about the film’s wild ending, Finn teased fans about the direction of the story. Without giving too much away, he hinted, “I think you’re asking the right question.”
As for future sequels, Finn is open to the idea but emphasized that any continuation of the franchise would need to be “unexpected” and push the boundaries even further.
For now, fans will have to wait and see where Smile could take them next.
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