Hollywood director Parker Finn on 'Smile 2' and exploring fame, trauma, and fear

'Smile 2' director Parker Finn reveals dark themes behind Naomi Scott's new film

Last updated: October 17, 2024 | 13:00

4 MIN READ

US filmmaker Parker Finn arrives for the global premiere of "Smile 2" at the Paramount Theater in Los Angeles on October 14, 2024.

AFP

Now, with 'Smile 2' releasing in the UAE cinemas on October 18, Finn returns to true form by delving deeper into the psychological underpinnings of fear, trauma, and fame.

In an interview with Gulf News, Finn discusses the challenges of making a sequel, the complexities of Skye’s character, and why horror remains a powerful medium for tackling dark and complex themes.

Naomi Scott plays a troubled pop singer in 'Smile 2', out in UAE cinemas on October 18

You’ve clearly subverted the whole idea of what a smile represents. Normally, we associate it with joy, but Smile took it in an unexpected direction. How did you come up with the idea to use smiles as a symbol of fear?

Director Parker Fiiinn believes that Naomi Scott will be seen in a different avatar in 'Smile 2'

What motivated you to make Smile 2? There’s always a risk with sequels; do you feel the pressure to match the success of the first?

US actor Kyle Gallner, British actress Naomi Scott and US filmmaker Parker Finn arrive for the global premiere of "Smile 2" at the Paramount Theater in Los Angeles on October 14, 2024.

Smile 2 is out in UAE cinemas on October 18

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