Smile franchise expands with prequel comic 'Smile: For the Camera'

Movieweb reports the Smile horror franchise is expanding beyond film with a prequel comic series from IDW Publishing titled Smile: For the Camera, now available for pre-sale through Third Eye Comics and expected to release on February 18.

The original Smile was a 2022 box-office success, earning $217 million globally, and its 2024 sequel Smile 2 grossed $138 million worldwide on a slightly higher budget. The comic is billed as a five-issue miniseries with monthly installments; the first issue’s synopsis sets Fashion Month 2005 as its backdrop, following five international models who become friends until one appears to be afflicted by the entity “a being bent on destruction and pain as it seeks to destroy lives through its horrific visions.” The comic is created by horror star Hannah Rose May (The Exorcism at 1600 Penn, Rogues’ Gallery) and Miriana Puglia (Disney Villains: Cruella de Vil, Disney Villains: Maleficent), and some variant covers for the first issue are already sold out.

A third Smile film was announced as in development in late 2024, but there have been no significant public updates; as far as fans know, Smile 3 is still being written and could be years away. The publisher notes that the success of the For the Camera miniseries could lead to more comics and might help build momentum for the next movie, but that outcome remains to be seen.

Key Topics

Culture, Smile Franchise, Hannah Rose May, Miriana Puglia, New York City