It’s official, Paramount Pictures is moving forward on a sequel to last year’s biggest horror hit “Smile”.
Parker Finn, the filmmaker who wrote and directed the first film as his feature directorial debut, has signed a multi-year first-look deal with the studio and the “Smile” sequel is said to be one of the priorities.
“Smile” grossed over $216 million worldwide off both a small $17 million budget and an effective viral marketing campaign – becoming the first original horror title to repeat the number one position at domestic box office since 2016.
Sosie Bacon starred as a therapist who, after witnessing the bizarre suicide of a patient, goes through increasingly disturbing and daunting experiences leading her to believe what she is experiencing is supernatural.
The film famously was initially made for the Paramount+ service, but a test screening in Burbank yielded such a strong reaction it changed the film’s trajectory – the studio shifted it to a theatrical release which became one of the most profitable movies of the year.
Paramount president & CEO Brian Robbins in a statement says: “Smile’s breakthrough success is a testament to Parker’s unique and fresh filmmaking, and we are thrilled that he will make Paramount his home,”
Finn’s deal will see him write, produce and direct features in the horror genre for the studio.
Source: THR
