Paramount Pictures is offering an exclusive opportunity for fans to experience the first 7 minutes of the highly anticipated Smile 2. However, there’s a twist: viewers must maintain a smile into their webcam throughout the entire clip. This innovative marketing tactic is designed to enhance viewer engagement and create a unique cinematic experience.

Writer and director Parker Finn has returned with a compelling sequel to his successful 2022 horror film Smile (read our full review HERE, and watch the movie HERE). Released in theaters last month, the film has already garnered significant acclaim, with JoBlo’s own Chris Bumbray calling it “one of the year’s best horror movies” in his 9/10 review. The film is performing exceptionally well at the box office, raking in over $110 million globally thus far. In a bold move to captivate audiences further, Paramount has introduced this new marketing campaign, allowing fans to watch the first seven minutes of Smile 2 directly on their website. To participate, viewers must wear a smile for the duration of the clip, whether it’s a light grin or a full-on Cheshire Cat smile. The technology behind this initiative is quite advanced; the webpage, which turns green while you smile, quickly shifts to a red outline if your smile fades, then goes black with the ominous message: Keep Smiling.

The original Smile was inspired by Finn’s award-winning short film Laura Hasn’t Slept (watch it HERE), which earned the Special Jury Recognition Prize in the SXSW Midnight Short category. In that chilling short, Caitlin Stasey starred as the titular character, who reprised her role in the feature film Smile. The gripping plot of Smile unfolds as follows: After witnessing a bizarre and traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter (played by Sosie Bacon) begins to experience a series of frightening occurrences that defy explanation. As her overwhelming terror intensifies, Rose finds herself compelled to confront her troubling past to survive and escape her terrifying new reality.

In the sequel, Smile 2, the plot thickens: Global pop sensation Skye Riley (portrayed by Naomi Scott) is set to embark on an exciting world tour. However, she soon finds herself plagued by increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. As the horrors mount and the pressures of fame escalate, Skye is driven to confront her dark past in a desperate bid to regain control over her life before it spirals into chaos.

Naomi Scott, known for her roles in Aladdin and Charlie’s Angels, leads an impressive cast that includes Lukas Gage from The White Lotus and You, Rosemarie DeWitt of La La Land and the Poltergeist remake, Dylan Gelula from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Dream Scenario, Raúl Castillo of Army of the Dead and Knives Out, Miles Gutierrez-Riley from The Wilds and On The Come Up, and Kyle Gallner, who reprises his role from the first film. Interestingly, a featurette reveals that Drew Barrymore, famed for her role in Scream, also makes a guest appearance, interviewing Skye Riley on her talk show, adding another layer of excitement to the film.

Produced by Temple Hill, who were also behind the original Smile, Smile 2 carries on the chilling legacy established in its predecessor, promising to deliver another gripping horror experience.

Are you ready to smile into your webcam and catch the first 7 minutes of Smile 2? Share your thoughts and excitement by leaving a comment below!