Marketing For Naomi Scott Led Horror Film ‘Smile 2’ Has Seemingly Started After $217 Million 2022 Movie’s Promotional Campaign Left the Entire World in Awe
Forget creepy crawlies and jump scares, the real horror began in 2022 with Smile and its unforgettable marketing campaign! Now, whispers are spreading faster than a contagious grin—is a sequel with Naomi Scott brewing?
We might just have our first clue, and it’s not under your bed… buckle up for a chillingly clever promo that’ll make you wonder: is that a pop star poster, or a cryptic message from the darkness itself? Get ready to smile… nervously.
From Eerie Smiles to Viral Marketing: Smile 2’s Shivering Campaign Takes Off
Do you recall those eerie broad smiles that appeared at athletic contests in 2022? That was the brilliant marketing strategy that shot Smile to the top of the box office, bringing in an incredible $217 million globally. Now that Halloween is knocking at the doors, rumors of a sequel have transformed into something much more fascinating: a terrifyingly effective viral marketing campaign.
Smile 2 marks the return of director Parker Finn, as the horror franchise turns its attention to the music business. While everyone has been anticipating the official marketing campaign with bated breath, it appears that the effort may already be in motion, albeit covertly.
This week, Bloody Disgusting’s horror enthusiasts were drawn to a billboard on Sunset Boulevard advertising musician Skye Riley’s new album. The picture? A terrifying statement slapped across a woman’s lower face said, “Skye is limitless.” For those with keen eyes, a brief online search turned up the fact that there isn’t an actual musician named Skye Riley.
After more research, the @SkyeRileyNation Instagram account was found. Created only a week ago, the page is a flurry of activity promoting Skye Riley’s next single, Blood on White Satin, which is set to release on June 18. Strangely, brief glimpses of this “musician” remarkably resemble Naomi Scott, the star of Smile 2.
The icing on the cake, though? There are enigmatic flashes in a recently published lyric video that might be our first look at the much-awaited sequel. Is Skye Riley only a front for Smile 2’s Naomi Scott character? And will the trailer be formally unveiled on June 18th? One thing’s certain: Smile 2 is already winning the pre-game scare, with whispers evolving into viral clues.
First teaser for ‘SMILE 2’ reveals Naomi Scott’s popstar character Skye Riley. pic.twitter.com/rueVZtZU2H
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 13, 2024
Along with Raúl Castillo (Army of the Dead) and Miles Gutierrez-Riley (The Wilds), the announced cast for Smile 2 also features Kyle Gallner (Smile), Rosemarie DeWitt (The Staircase), Lukas Gage (The White Lotus), and Dylan Gelula (Dream Scenario). Horror fans, stay tuned as we go deeper to uncover the mysteries surrounding Smile 2’s terrifying curse and Skye Riley!
Grinning All the Way to the Bank: Smile Slays at the Box Office
Paramount Pictures’ new horror thriller, Smile, proved its unnerving marketing approach worked. After its September 30th release, the film grossed $22 million in North America and $37 million internationally, exceeding forecasts. Smile, which cost under $17 million, dethroned comedies like Billy Eichner’s Bros and dramas to lead the U.S. box office.
The film’s success goes beyond its topic. Paramount’s clever marketing strategy, which included actors in public events like Yankees vs. Red Sox games with eerie smiles, went viral. These unnerving interactions were filmed by bystanders, adding to the film’s mystique.
Watch the film Smile today on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV!
