Smile 2″ Set to Surpass $22.6M Debut by 76%

In 2022, the horror genre took a refreshing turn with the release of Smile, a film that played on the deepest human fear: the unknown. The film tapped into psychological terror, utilizing a simple but chilling concept of a deadly curse passed through a sinister smile.

The movie’s success exceeded all expectations, grossing $22.6 million in its debut weekend and earning over $217 million globally by the end of its run. Naturally, with such success, the announcement of Smile 2 has generated enormous anticipation among horror enthusiasts and general audiences alike.

The question on everyone’s mind now is whether Smile 2 can surpass the high bar set by its predecessor. Industry projections suggest that the sequel is poised to achieve a debut weekend that exceeds Smile’s $22.6 million by over 76%, marking it as one of the most highly anticipated horror releases of 2024.

In this article, I’ll delve into why Smile 2 is expected to outshine its predecessor at the box office, looking at factors such as market trends, the evolving horror genre, marketing strategies, and the significance of franchise-building in today’s cinematic landscape.

Let’s get started!

The Horror Genre’s Growing Popularity

Horror has always had a dedicated fan base, but recent years have seen a significant shift in the genre’s appeal, particularly as psychological horror has taken center stage. Films like Get Out (2017), Hereditary (2018), and A Quiet Place (2018) have broadened the scope of horror. This trend has increased horror’s mainstream appeal, drawing in audiences who might have once avoided the genre.

Smile capitalized on this new era of horror, combining elements of psychological and supernatural horror. The film’s clever use of visual motifs—namely the unsettling smile—created a lasting impact that kept viewers talking long after the credits rolled. As a result, the film’s word-of-mouth and social media buzz helped it maintain its box office momentum, turning it into a sleeper hit.

This growing appetite for smart, psychological horror sets the stage perfectly for Smile 2. With the horror genre continuing to rise in popularity, the sequel is entering a market that is more favorable than ever for films that push the boundaries of fear. Industry analysts predict that this trend will significantly contribute to Smile 2’s success, helping it exceed the debut weekend gross of its predecessor.

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Franchise Effect: Why Sequels Often Outperform Originals

The horror genre, perhaps more than any other, has a long-standing tradition of successful sequels. From A Nightmare on Elm Street to Scream and The Conjuring, horror sequels often outperform or match the box office revenue of the original films. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors: increased brand recognition, a built-in audience, and, crucially, the ability to expand upon the original film’s mythology.

For Smile 2, the sequel effect is expected to play a key role in boosting its box office performance. The original Smile built a strong fanbase and established a unique mythos surrounding the cursed smile, which offers fertile ground for further exploration.

Horror fans, who often thrive on expanded lore and more terrifying stakes, are likely to flock to Smile 2 in anticipation of seeing how the filmmakers develop the narrative.

Returning Cast and Creative Team

Another key factor in the projected success of Smile 2 is the return of its original cast and creative team. In the horror genre, the involvement of the original filmmakers is often a strong indicator of a sequel’s quality, and this has been a major talking point for fans of the original Smile.

Director Parker Finn, whose vision was central to the eerie and unsettling tone of the first film, is set to return for the sequel. His distinct style, which blends slow-building tension with sudden bursts of terror, was one of the original film’s standout features. By returning to helm Smile 2, Finn has assured audiences that the sequel will retain the same atmosphere and horror elements that made the original so successful.

The cast, led by Sosie Bacon, is also expected to return, bringing continuity and allowing for further character development. Bacon’s portrayal of Dr. Rose Cotter in the first film was both compelling and relatable, making her a character that audiences genuinely care about. The prospect of seeing her further descend into the psychological horrors introduced in Smile will draw fans back for the sequel.

Moreover, having the same creative team allows for the seamless continuation of the original story, which ensures a narrative consistency that fans appreciate. This cohesive storytelling is crucial in horror sequels, where audiences expect to see the mythos expanded without losing the core elements that made the first movie effective.

Social Media Buzz and Marketing

Marketing plays a pivotal role in a film’s box office success, and Smile 2 is set to benefit from a robust and creative marketing campaign, much like its predecessor. The original Smile gained widespread attention for its viral marketing strategy, which involved actors appearing at major sporting events and other public gatherings wearing eerie, unsettling smiles. This unconventional approach caught the public’s attention and generated significant social media buzz, helping the film reach a wider audience.

For Smile 2, the marketing campaign is expected to be even more elaborate and far-reaching, leveraging the sequel’s established brand and the growing influence of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The virality of horror content on these platforms cannot be understated, with users frequently sharing clips, reactions, and fan theories that amplify a film’s visibility.

Horror movies, in particular, lend themselves well to viral moments. Whether it’s the terrifying smile itself or jump-scare reactions, the social media-friendly nature of horror ensures that Smile 2 will have a strong presence online leading up to its release. This digital word-of-mouth will be a key factor in drawing audiences to theaters, especially among younger viewers who are highly engaged on these platforms.

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Top 5 Highest-Grossing Horror Movies

This table shows how Smile 2 can aim for significant box office success, even if it doesn’t reach the levels of It or The Sixth Sense. By surpassing Smile‘s opening weekend with a projected 76% increase, Smile 2 has the potential to perform similarly to some of the top horror films.

Have you watched the trailer for Smile 2 yet? If not, check out the chilling preview in the video below!

Conclusion

• As Smile 2 prepares to hit theaters in 2024, all signs point to the film being a major box office success.
• From the growing popularity of the horror genre to the franchise effect, returning cast and creative team, viral marketing strategies, and favorable market conditions, the sequel has all the ingredients necessary to surpass its predecessor’s $22.6 million debut by a significant margin.
• If projections hold true, Smile 2 could establish itself as one of the top horror releases of the year, further cementing the franchise’s place in the pantheon of modern horror cinema.

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