Parker Finn’s Smile 2 expands the terrifying universe established in the hit first film, Smile. Smile 2 has plenty of scary scenes and new tricks up its sleeves to truly horrify its audience, but it also cleverly pays homage to one of the most iconic characters in horror history through the character of Paul Hudson. Smile 2's cast is led by pop star protagonist Skye Riley who, among other things, is being haunted by the death of her boyfriend, Paul Hudson. Hudson shows up several times throughout as one of the hallucinatory entities haunting Skye with that now iconic smile.
However, that low-angle, eerie grin that we associate with the Smile franchise has its roots in the films of another master of the craft, Stanley Kubrick, most notably Jack Torrance in The Shining. It comes as no surprise that Parker Finn was paying homage to one of the greats, but Smile 2 brought an extra layer when it cast the role of Paul Hudson.
Smile 2's Paul Hudson Was Played By Jack Nicholson's Son, Ray Nicholson
Smile 2 Cleverly Channels Jack Torrance
Paul Hudson is portrayed by Ray Nicholson, who is no stranger to Hollywood. Ray is the son of iconic actor Jack Nicholson, renowned for his chilling performance as Jack Torrance in The Shining. The elder Nicholson established the benchmark for portraying a character descending into madness, driven to insanity by an overpowering and malevolent force. This just so happens to be what occurs to the protagonists of the Smile films. While Paul Hudson is merely a hallucination, he is a haunting force that leads to the unraveling of Skye Riley.
The most striking similarity between father and son, may lie in the creation of the eerie smiles that define the
Smile
franchise.
The decision to cast the son of this horror icon was no accident, to say the least. Instead, director Parker Finn’s choice seems almost fated. Ray Nicholson's performance in Smile 2 honors his father’s legacy by ensuring the same uneasy feeling resonates with modern audiences. However, the most striking similarity between father and son, may lie in the creation of the eerie Stanley Kubrick smiles that define the Smile franchise.
How The Shining's Jack Torrance Influenced A Big Aspect Of Smile 2
Finn Specifically Leaned Into The "Kubrick Stare"
Custom image by Debanjana Chowdhury.
A trademark throughout Kubrick's films is the specific and eerie look given by his characters, which has come to be known as the “Kubrick stare.”It involves the unsettling combination of a downward-tilted head and an unwavering, intense stare, creating a sinister, predatory gaze. Jack Nicholson added one more touch to the stare when he played Jack Torrance – an unnervingly detached smile.
After hitting theaters in October and achieving box office success, Smile 2 from director Parker Finn now has a streaming release date.
Parker Finn draws on Jack Torrance’s smile to create a deeply eerie feeling throughout both Smile films, evoking a sense of inescapable doom. By casting Ray Nicholson in Smile 2, the franchise cleverly tips its cap and merges modern horror with its cinematic roots. The result is a film that feels both nostalgic and innovative, ensuring that Torrance’s legacy, and his unnerving stare, continue to haunt audiences while solidifying Smile 2 as a worthy entry in the horror genre.
Smile 2 is the sequel to the 2022 psychological horror film by director Parker Finn that centers on a therapist who witnesses a patient's suicide, leading to a series of terrifying supernatural events. The sequel will see the return of Finn as director, with Paramount continuing distribution.
Custom image by Debanjana Chowdhury. 
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