It’s official, Paramount Pictures is preparing a sequel to the biggest horror hit of last year and so far this decade, the brilliant ‘Smile’. Parker Finn, the filmmaker who wrote and directed the first film in his feature debut, signed a multi-year, multi-film deal with the studio and a sequel to the horror hit is said to be a top priority of the study.
A surprise success
‘Smile’ grossed over 216 million dollars worldwide with a small budget of 17 and a very cheap but effective viral marketing campaign, becoming the first original horror title to repeat the number one position at the domestic box office since 2016. The famous film was initially made for the Paramount+ service, but a test screening in Burbank produced such a strong reaction that the studio moved it to a theatrical release.
Finn expressed in november what to do a sequel would be very different:
“I don’t want to do the same thing again and I think there could be a really exciting avenue of exploring the world of Smile with a few tricks up your sleeve. There’s potential for new storytelling to get around what people are expecting in surprising ways. Smiles that purposefully remain unexplored that would be powerful to dive into, there were others I didn’t get a chance to do due to budget constraints or not quite fitting into the story that I’m eager to explore”
Paramount Chairman and CEO, Brian Robbins, stated in a statement:
“The smash hit of Smile is a testament to Parker’s unique and fresh filmmaking, and we’re thrilled that he’s making Paramount his home. He knows how to keep people chewing their nails in their seats and we’re glad we can continue to wow audiences together.” “.
