‘Smile 2’ Director Says He “Totally” Cast Ray Nicholson As An Homage To ‘The Shining’

deadline.com:

As Smile 2 continues scaring up bigger audiences than its popular predecessor at the global and domestic box offices, director Parker Finn is providing some insight into the decisions that went into the making of his horror sequel.

While speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the Smile helmer said he “totally” cast actor Ray Nicholson in the Naomi Scott starrer as an homage to his “favorite film of all time” — Stanley Kubrick’s pioneering classic, The Shining. “I think I’m always trying to reference The Shining,” he said. “With Ray, he auditioned for that role.

The audition was so strong. Of course, Jack Nicholson is one of my favorite actors of all time. I love that Ray has very strong genes, and his smile, instantly, I was like, ‘Oh my God, it’s like looking at a young Jack.'” He continued, “What really struck me was how well he slipped into that venomous but charming character he’s playing in the film.

He could bring again that feeling of, I’m really, really anxious, but part of it is also tickling me.” While Finn said he did not originate the role of Paul, the late actor husband to Scott’s global pop star character Skye Riley, for Ray Nicholson, he called the casting “wonderful kismet.” Indeed, many fans have drawn, if obvious but still uncanny, similarities between father and son online, with Ray Nicholson commenting on the chatter to Deadline last week at the film’s red carpet premiere: “He’s my inspiration.