The horror genre is undergoing something of a renaissance this year, with many of the biggest non-horror films bombing at the box office. Meanwhile, horror films have done the opposite: they have thrived. Naturally, studios are doubling down on the genre and the list of upcoming horror movies grows longer.
, Paramount Pictures plans to release the sequel to Smile, its hit horror film from last year, during next year's Halloween season. The sequel, which is still untitled, will arrive smack dab in the middle of the season on October 18, 2024.
Seeing the huge success Smile had when it hit the screens last year, we can't say we were surprised when the studio greenlit a sequel. For a film that was originally meant for a direct-to-streaming release, Smile was an astounding box-office success. The popular horror film grossed $217 million globally against a budget of just $17 million, making it one of the most profitable films of that year.
More than that, Smile was well received by critics for its actors' performances as well as its themes and cinematography. Given the first film set the bar pretty high, the untitled sequel has its work cut out. We would advise Paramount not to attempt replicating the first film's success and simply focus on providing an enjoyable experience.