Smile 2 is gearing up as the casting process has officially begun. To that end, Naomi Scott has been set to star in the upcoming horror sequel from director Parker Finn. This, according to Deadline, with the outlet reporting that the Aladdin and Power Rangers actress landed the role in what was described as an extremely competitive casting process. But Scott came out on top and the sequel is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Plot details are currently being kept under wraps but Finn is returning to write and direct the sequel. 2022’s Smile served as Finn’s feature directorial debut and it became an unexpected smash hit for Paramount Pictures. The film took in $217 million at the global box office against a very reasonable $17 million budget. Not bad for a movie that was originally supposed to be dumped directly to streaming on Paramount+. Rather wisely, the studio decided to give it a theatrical release after some test screenings went well. The rest is now part of horror history.
Paramount signed Finn to a first-look deal following the film’s success, with the Smile sequel viewed as a top priority by the studio. There is currently no indication as to who - if any - of the original stars will be returning for the next installment. Sosie Bacon led the cast of the original, with Kyle Galner and Kal Penn also starring. Finn may be going to tell a new story with a new cast of characters. Either way, Scott will be leading the way in front of the camera.
Scott has not had a lot of experience in the realm of horror in her career up to this point, but there’s a first time for everything. The actress is best known for playing Princess Jasmine in 2019’s live-action Aladdin. She also starred as the Pink Ranger in 2017’s Power Rangers, as well as Elana in 2019’s Charlie’s Angels. Some of her more recent credits include the Netflix miniseries Anatomy of a Scandal and Modern Love Tokyo. Scott has several projects in the can as well, including the sci-fi film Distant and Eternal Return, which she also produced. Given the success the first movie enjoyed, this is now the most high-profile project on her upcoming slate.
The currently untitled Smile sequel is set to hit theaters on October 18, 2024.
