Smile 2: Release Date, Cast, Story & Everything We Know

Smile 2 is on the way from Paramount, and there's plenty to speculate over what awaits when The Smile Entity Returns. The original Smile follows Dr. Rose Cotter, who has seven days to figure out how to successfully evade demise from a demon after witnessing her patient’s death. Originally slated for a straight-to-streaming release on Paramount+, Smile performed so well with test audiences that it was granted a theatrical release. Due to its unique marketing strategy and success at the box office, the sequel could be even bigger.

The original was an exploration of grief and trauma, and while the ending of Smile was incredibly shocking it also set up a sequel following Joel. However, it's still unknown if Smile 2 will follow directly from the original or pick up with a new protagonist trying to escape the sinister curse of The Smile Entity. While Rose didn't make it out of Smile alive the door was far from shut on the franchise, and now it's known Smile 2 is going ahead, there's plenty of speculation about who will be battling the demonic entity next.

Most Recent Smile 2 News

The latest news regarding the upcoming horror sequel is that a major star has been added to the main cast of Smile 2. Though no details have been revealed about the character just yet, Aladdin star Naomi Scott will be stepping into a major role. Scott will likely be the newest protagonist to be haunted by the terrifying Smile entity, and her casting suggests the sequel will feature an entirely new ensemble.

In other casting news, original Smile star Kyle Gallner will reprise his role as the detective Joel, and he will be joined by several new faces whose roles haven't been revealed yet. Lukas Gage of Fargo fame will play a role in the new movie, along with Rosemarie DeWitt. More details on the new and returning cast members are expected soon.

Smile 2 Is Confirmed

Smile 2 is confirmed, with the sequel to Smile being announced by Paramount in April 2023. While the runaway success of Smile made a sequel feel inevitable, a follow-up wasn't always a certainty. Director Parker Finn had previously stated that there were no plans for a continuation to Smile, but he wasn't opposed to the idea. “For me...I never want to retread and just do something I've already done again...I'd wanna make sure it was surprising and different and not what people were expecting after the first one,” said Finn (via ComicBook.com).

Smile 2 Release Date

The Smile 2 release date has been set for October 18, 2024. This will mean the Smile sequel will arrive around two years after the original, and like the first movie, it will also have a theatrical release. While there's no news on when it will be available to stream it's expected that Smile 2 will also make its way to Paramount+.

Smile 2 Cast: Who Can Return?

Due to the ending of Smile, it’s unlikely that Smile 2 could follow Sosie Bacon’s Rose again, but there are still plenty of cast members who could return. Kyle Gallner, who plays Rose’s detective ex-boyfriend Joel, has already been confirmed to return to the sequel's cast, while Jesse T. Usher as Trevor and Gillian Zinser as Holly also could both come back as well. Finally, every horror movie needs its monster, which means that Marti Matulis returning as The Smile Monstrosity would be a must for Smile 2.

One confirmed new cast member for Smile 2 is Naomi Scott, who has been cast in a lead role in the upcoming movie. Nothing is known about her character, but it can be assumed that she will be the newest protagonist and will likely come face-to-face with the evil entity. Additionally, Lukas Gage and Rosemarie DeWitt have also joined the cast of Smile 2 in undisclosed roles.

Smile 2 Story

Given the nature of Smile, the plot of Smile 2 could go in multiple directions. One potential follow-up could follow Joel, who would be trying to outrun the demon after witnessing Rose’s death by picking up where Rose left off in her investigation. Not only would Joel be under the pressure of having seven days to prevent his death, but as the last person who saw Rose alive, he would have lots of questions to answer. However, based on director Parker Finn’s statements, the next installment could also come in the form of a prequel or a spin-off that expands the world in Smile 2.