Highlights
- Smile 2’s entity is more savage, linked to Skye Riley’s chaotic life.
- The Smiler becomes more brutal due to Skye’s traumatic experiences.
- Director Parker Finn aimed to surprise audiences, who already knew the entity’s nature from the first film.
- Finn plans to keep the Smile franchise character-focused in future films.
- Each host will experience the entity differently, creating fresh horror for each new protagonist.
In Smile 2, the entity, known as the Smiler, is much more savage than in the first film.
Director Parker Finn explained that this is a result of both the growing strength of the entity and the chaotic mind of pop star Skye Riley, the movie’s protagonist.
Finn wanted the entity to feel deeply tied to Skye’s world and her turbulent experiences as she faces a comeback after a car accident.
The Smiler is more aggressive because Skye’s life is full of public pressure, trauma, and chaos, making her a perfect target for more intense torment.
Finn also shared that the Smiler’s brutality is influenced by the audience’s expectations. Having seen the first film, viewers come in with some knowledge, making them think they are “ahead of the character.”
Finn took this as a challenge, finding new ways to scare the audience while deepening the entity’s terrifying hold over Skye.
A Character-Focused Approach Shapes Smile 2
Director Finn made sure Smile 2’s savage entity wasn’t just a simple continuation of the first film. He wanted the sequel to feel surprising and tied specifically to Skye’s story.
Each person the entity interacts with experiences it differently, allowing Finn to explore new horrors in future installments.
He highlighted the importance of keeping the franchise focused on the characters, ensuring that each new film offers a fresh perspective on the Smiler.
By focusing on the chaotic mind of Skye Riley, the Smiler’s savage behavior becomes a reflection of her trauma, showing that future Smile films will explore the entity’s powers through unique, personal lenses.