October 22, 2024: In a recent interview, Smile 2 director Parker Finn discussed casting Ray Nicholson, son of Jack Nicholson, in the horror sequel.
According to Finn, Nicholson was cast as an homage to Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, which he considers his favorite film.
During the audition, Ray’s resemblance to his father, especially his iconic smile, immediately stood out to Finn, making it feel like “looking at a young Jack.” Finn appreciated Ray’s ability to bring charm and a sense of unease to his character, which added to the film’s tension.
Nicholson plays Paul, the late husband of Naomi Scott’s character, Skye Riley, a pop star haunted by a terrifying, smiling entity. While the role wasn’t specifically written for Nicholson, Finn described the casting as “wonderful kismet.” The film builds on real-life tragedies faced by famous women like Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, and Britney Spears, delving into the darker side of fame.
