As someone who has had their fair share of sleepless nights due to horror movies, I must admit that the latest stunt by the makers of “Smile 2” has me on edge. The creepy look during LL Cool J‘s VMA performance had me double-checking my mirrors for a moment there!
2022 saw the chilling horror movie “Smile” captivate audiences with its unique terror – an ominous curse that twists your expression into a haunting, upside-down frown. However, in the follow-up, “Smile 2”, the fear factor escalates as a popular singer encounters unsettling glares and bizarre occurrences before her tour. Incidentally, during MTV’s VMAs, viewers got an unexpected taste of the “Smile” curse when a woman gave a chilling stare during LL Cool J’s performance. Could this be part of a clever marketing strategy for the upcoming sequel? That’s what I’d like to think!
From the ominous scenes and fatalities depicted in the trailer for “Smile 2”, it seems that the level of danger is escalating, as the curse now follows a popular musician during her tour. Despite the chilling impact of the trailer on viewers, remember that it’s just a film – isn’t it? An online clip uploaded by a fan hints at the possibility that the curse may have reached this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, and I can understand your fear along with you.
As LL Cool J performs his medley during an ordinary VMA show, one woman in the crowd gives a rather unsettling stare straight into the camera. Is it safe for us to return her gaze, fearing we might be cursed? I’d prefer to think this is simply clever marketing for the upcoming release of Smile 2. Let’s choose that explanation instead.
In a remarkable marketing strategy, the first “Smile” movie garnered recognition at the 15th Annual Shortys, winning an award and a bronze for Event and Experiential. Actors contracted by Paramount Pictures and TriplePlay Studios made appearances on popular television broadcasts such as MLB, NFL games, morning shows, and even the VMAs. During these broadcasts, they would strategically seize opportunities when the camera focused on the audience, staring directly into the lens with an eerie gaze. This captivating campaign effectively piqued viewers’ interest in the psychological horror film, prompting them to discuss their experiences on social media. As the buzz grew viral, so did the intrigue surrounding this unusual horror production.
The initial marketing strategy of the film “Smile” proved incredibly effective, sending shivers down spines and significantly boosting box office earnings during the Halloween season. Debuting with a whopping $22.6 million, it continued its success with an impressive second weekend earning $18.5 million, maintaining its position atop the box office. The movie’s luck didn’t wane, as it went on to make a total of $99 million domestically and reached the notable milestone of being one of only 15 films in 2022 to surpass the $100 million mark at the box office. During the pandemic, it even held the title of highest-grossing R-rated movie globally. This success demonstrates that viral marketing campaigns like “Smile” effectively managed to create sufficient intrigue on TV events, compelling audiences to seek out similar chilling experiences on the big screen.
Based on the chilling promotional strategy used for the original “Smile” movie, which successfully drew in viewers to watch the unsettling horror film, it appears that the sequel is following suit by creating a similar atmosphere at MTV’s Video Music Awards. A viewer staring intently into the camera during the awards ceremony might be the first glimpse of many unsettling moments that will appear on our screens ahead of the 2024 theatrical release on October 18th.
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2024-09-13 03:07