The horror genre has long been a proving ground for filmmakers, consistently transforming modest budgets into blockbuster successes. Smile (2022) proved this point, grossing over $200 million worldwide on a production budget of just $17 million. Building on this success, the much-anticipated sequel, Smile 2, hit theaters with a larger budget and an even more star-studded cast. As fans flocked to see the chilling follow-up, a key question arose: how much did the cast members earn for their roles in Smile 2?
In this article, we'll not only break down the reported salaries of the cast but also explore the evolving financial landscape of Hollywood’s horror genre. From seasoned stars to emerging talents, here’s a closer look at how much the Smile 2 cast took home for their performances.
Naomi Scott: Skye Riley
Naomi Scott, known for her memorable performances in Aladdin (2019) and Charlie's Angels (2019), brought star power to Smile 2 with her role as Skye Riley. The studio’s strategic choice to cast Scott was a calculated move to boost the film's appeal, leveraging her established Hollywood presence.
Scott reportedly earned $700,000 for her performance in Smile 2. While this figure may not rival the multi-million-dollar paychecks of leads in major blockbusters, it is a significant sum within the horror genre. This paycheck reflects both Scott’s growing stature in Hollywood and the film's increased budget, which allowed the studio to offer higher salaries to attract top-tier talent. In comparison, the original Smile had a modest budget, meaning lead actors likely earned less, reinforcing how sequel budgets often allow for more financial flexibility.
Ray Nicholson: Paul Hudson
Ray Nicholson, the son of legendary actor Jack Nicholson, has made a name for himself in Hollywood. In Smile 2, Nicholson portrayed Paul Hudson, a character whose ominous presence had a lasting impact. While his exact salary remains undisclosed, it’s estimated that Nicholson earned between $200,000 and $300,000, a common range for supporting roles in films of this budget.
Nicholson’s pay reflects the growing demand for emerging talent, especially for roles that build on his famous lineage. His compensation aligns with other actors in similar supporting roles within genre films. Comparing this to his father’s paydays during the 70s and 80s for major projects, it’s clear that modern actors—especially those working in horror—are earning competitive salaries even for supporting roles.
Kyle Gallner: Joel
Kyle Gallner’s return as Joel from the original Smile was a key factor in attracting fans to the sequel. As a fan-favorite character, Gallner's presence brought continuity to the story. For his work in Smile 2, Gallner earned $250,000, which reflects both his familiarity with the franchise and his established status as a seasoned actor in the horror genre.
In comparison to his salary for the first Smile film, Gallner’s pay in Smile 2 highlights the trend of higher paychecks for returning cast members. This shift is often due to the growing franchise value and the increased investment in sequels, with studios now more willing to secure actors with established fan bases.
Lukas Gage: Lewis
Lukas Gage, best known for his roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, entered the horror genre with his portrayal of Lewis in Smile 2. As one of the newer actors in the cast, Gage's salary for the film is estimated at $200,000. While this is a respectable amount for a supporting role, it reflects Gage’s rising star power within Hollywood.
His pay is also indicative of the shift in how TV stars are transitioning into film roles. Whereas actors from television often earned lower salaries for film work in the past, Gage's $200,000 paycheck aligns with the increasingly high value placed on TV stars in feature films, particularly in genre films like Smile 2.
Dylan Gelula: Gemma
Dylan Gelula portrayed Gemma, a character pivotal to the plot. While her salary hasn't been publicly disclosed, it’s estimated that Gelula earned $100,000 to $150,000, a typical range for actors in similar supporting roles within the genre.
Gelula’s rising recognition in indie films and TV likely played a significant role in securing her role in the film. Her salary in Smile 2 is in line with industry standards for supporting actors, but it could also point to a growing trend where rising stars in independent film earn respectable paychecks in larger budget productions.
Rosemarie DeWitt: Elizabeth Riley
Acclaimed actress Rosemarie DeWitt joined Smile 2 as Elizabeth Riley, the mother of Naomi Scott’s character, adding depth and gravitas to the story. With an extensive career that includes critically acclaimed films like Rachel Getting Married, DeWitt earned $300,000 for her role in the sequel.
Her salary reflects her seasoned experience and ability to elevate the production with her presence. DeWitt’s pay highlights the growing importance of veteran actors in genre films—showing that established stars are willing to take on roles in mid-budget horror films, which is becoming more common as the genre evolves and attracts a larger audience.
Peter Jacobson: Morris
Peter Jacobson, known for his roles in House and The Americans, portrayed Morris in Smile 2. His performance added a layer of complexity to the narrative. Jacobson earned an estimated $110,000, a typical salary for a seasoned supporting actor in a mid-budget film.
This salary is in line with industry standards for experienced actors in supporting roles. It's also reflective of how TV actors transitioning to film tend to earn higher pay than their early-career film counterparts—thanks to their proven track records in popular TV series.
Raúl Castillo: Darius
Raúl Castillo, known for his roles in Looking and Army of the Dead, played Darius in Smile 2. Supporting actors of his caliber typically command between $150,000 and $200,000, reflecting the high demand for actors who can seamlessly shift between genres.
Castillo’s earnings fall in line with other seasoned supporting actors in genre films. His transition from TV to film mirrors a broader trend in which TV stars are increasingly sought after in feature films, especially in high-concept genre fare like horror.
Drew Barrymore: Cameo Appearance
One of the most discussed aspects of Smile 2 was the rumored cameo by Drew Barrymore. Although unconfirmed, the speculation surrounding Barrymore's involvement highlights how A-list cameos can significantly influence a film's financial scope. Cameos by stars of Barrymore’s stature typically command salaries ranging from $500,000 to $1 million, depending on the role’s significance.
Barrymore’s potential cameo underscores the growing trend of big-name stars appearing in mid-budget horror films, further demonstrating the genre’s expanding financial potential.
Miles Gutierrez-Riley: Joshua
Miles Gutierrez-Riley rounded out the main cast as Joshua, a relative newcomer to the big screen. As an emerging talent, Gutierrez-Riley reportedly earned $80,000 for his role in Smile 2. This figure is in line with the typical salary range for rising stars in supporting roles.
His compensation is a reflection of the growing trend where emerging actors in horror films receive fair compensation, even for relatively smaller roles. With horror films like Smile 2 offering opportunities to newer talent, this trend will likely continue to grow.
The Financial Landscape of Smile 2
With a production budget of approximately $28 million, Smile 2 represents a significant increase over the original film’s budget of $17 million. This rise in budget allowed for a more substantial investment in the cast, special effects, and marketing efforts, aligning with a larger trend within the horror genre: higher production values and bigger stars are becoming increasingly common as the genre gains mainstream popularity.
Whereas horror films once thrived on low-budget production models, the financial success of films like It (2017) and A Quiet Place (2018) has prompted studios to invest more in talent and production, signaling a new era for the genre. The salaries of the Smile 2 cast reflect this evolution, showcasing how actors in horror films now benefit from larger budgets and a more competitive industry landscape.
Conclusion
The cast of Smile 2 earned a wide range of salaries, with Naomi Scott leading the charge at $700,000. Actors like Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage, and Rosemarie DeWitt also received substantial paychecks, while newer talent like Miles Gutierrez-Riley earned more modest salaries. As horror films continue to thrive in the box office, the financial rewards for actors in the genre are only set to grow.
This financial shift marks a new era for horror, with bigger budgets and bigger paydays making the genre an increasingly lucrative space for Hollywood talent. The success of Smile 2 not only reinforces the genre’s profitability but also illustrates the growing value of investing in talented casts to bring these chilling stories to life.