With Smile releasing September 30th, audiences are hoping that they will leave theaters with a big grin on their face after seeing how much it has been hyped up. Not only has the viral marketing campaign been trending across the world, but the early reviews have also been extremely positive critical reviews (via Comic Book Room).
While there's no doubt that the writing is bound to scare audiences witless, the success of the movie will likely be down to the stellar cast - many of whom may be familiar to the eager-eyed audience member.
Sosie Bacon - 13 Reasons Why (2017-2018)
Available To Stream On Netflix
The daughter of Kevin Bacon, Sosie Bacon appears in Smile as Dr. Rose Cotter. However, some other fans may know her best for her work as Skye Miller in hit series 13 Reasons Why (a show that follows a teenager named Clay Jensen, whose trying to come to terms with the death of his best friend, Hannah Baker, after she took her own life).
The genres of horror and gritty teenage drama are different, but do share similarities (such as Skye and Rose covering up a few secrets). There's an intensity to both of these roles that Bacon will no doubt handle with skill.
Jessie T. Usher - The Boys (2019-Present)
Available To Stream On Amazon Video
Jessie appears as Trevor, but is perhaps best known for the role of A-Train/Reggie Franklin in Amazon Prime's smash hit show, The Boys. It follows Hughie, a man who lost his girlfriend at the hands of a "superhero," and joins with a company that vows to destroy them.
A darkly comedic condemnation of superheroes, and idols in general, The Boys proves Usher's worth as both a comedic and as a dramatic actor. These two characters are worlds apart; Trevor is, from the trailers, out to help Rose, whereas A-Train, super or not, is responsible for the death of Hughie's girlfriend.
Kyle Gallner - A Nightmare On Elm Street (2010)
Available To Stream On HBO Max
A veteran of the horror genre, Gallner appears as Joel in Smile, but is most recognizable as Quentin Smith in the Nightmare On Elm Street remake. The movie follows a group of teens who are stalked in their dreams by Freddy Krueger, a sadistic killer, and a truly terrifying horror villain.
As previously stated, horror is not new to Gallner, whose work as the sleep-deprived Quentin makes him one of the strongest aspects of the movie. Again, Gallner is playing a character named Joel, one of those who are caught up in trying to survive an evil that no-one really understands, and he's sure to deliver gravitas and weight to the role.
Caitlin Stasey - Tomorrow, When The War Began (2010)
Available To Stream Tubi Tv
Caitlin Stasey appears as Laura Weaver in Smile, but is best known as Ellie Linton in the movie Tomorrow, When The War Began. The plot follows a rag-tag team of teenagers, who come together out of necessity when their country is invaded and their families are taken.
These are leagues apart in genre. Whilst Smile is a horror, and the character of Laura Weaver puts the plot into motion, the character of Ellie Linton is set in a YA-type universe, where death befalls our main characters, and so they must band together or meet their demise. From the trailers, Stasey is set to deliver a great performance.
Robin Weigert - Synecdoche, New York (2008)
Available To Stream On Hulu
Weigert appears as Dr. Madeline Northcott, but is perhaps best known for her work as Adult Olive in Charlie Kaufman's Synecdoche, New York. The movie follows a theater director who struggles with his play, as well as his relationships, as he toils away at his work and his marriage.
The characters of Dr. Madeline Northcott and Olive could not be further apart. Northcott is a psychologist type, trying to help Dr. Rose Cotter with what's bugging her; Olive, on the other hand, is a deeply troubled young woman, having made one bad decision after the other, and this demonstrates her range as an actor.
Kal Penn - Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle (2004)
Available To Stream On The Roku Channel
Kal Penn appears in Smile as Dr. Morgan Desai, but is widely known as Kumar from Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle. A stoner comedy, that most hilarious of subgenre, the movie follows two friends desperate to satiate their hunger with a stop at White Castle.
Ironically going from the medically-induced Kumar to a studier of medicine, Kal Penn will be showing a side to his acting that most viewers will not be familiar with. While audiences know he can be absolutely hysterical, to show that he can pull off a dramatic performance will be very impressive.
Judy Reyes - Scrubs (2001-2009)
Available To Stream On Amazon Video
Reyes appears as Victoria Munoz, but is perhaps most known for the role of Nurse Carla Espinosa in the show Scrubs. The series is set in the Sacred Heart Hospital, where hospital intern John Dorian is taught the ways of friendship, love, and life by those around him.
Full of memorable characters, Scrubs provides viewers ample time to appreciate Reyes' skill as an actor. The character of Carla Espinosa is confident, opinionated, and full of vigor. She loves to give advice, but hates being proven wrong. While little is known of her character in Smile, fans can rest easy in the knowledge that she will deliver a strong performance.
Rob Morgan - Mudbound (2017)
Available To Stream Netflix
Morgan is set to appear as Robert Talley in Smile, but he may be most familiar to audiences as Hap Jackson in Mudbound. The movie follows two men who return home from WWII, only to struggle against racism and the shift from life at war to American life.
Morgan's brilliant performance in Mudbound shows his ability as an actor, and the weight he can bring to a movie like this is endless. While audiences aren't too sure of his role in Smile after only seeing him as a prisoner, his intensity and his power in this brief glimpse shows a great deal of promise.
Kevin Keppy - The Quest (2022)
Available To Stream On Disney+
Kevin Keppy appears as Nightmare Mom in the movie, but is perhaps best known for the dual role of The Serpent King/The Witch in The Quest. The show, an immersive experience, follows 8 real-life teenagers as they must save a fictional Kingdom by fulfilling an ancient prophecy.
An actor with a most distinct appearance, Keppy is able to demonstrate his abilities as a character actor in these roles. For those who've seen the show, Keppy's appearances are highly memorable, and his ability to morph into the characters he is playing is impressive; he's set to scare in Smile.
Gillian Zinser - 90210 (2009-2012)
No Streaming Information Available Yet
Gillian Zinser plays Holly in Smile, but her appearances in 90210 as Ivy Sullivan are perhaps what she is best known for. The show follows a Kansas family who move out to Beverly Hills, and try to deal with their two children, who morph into the "perfect" Beverly Hills citizens...
Zinser is already an established talent in Hollywood, and the role in Smile allows her to branch out into the horror genre. Her character in 90210, a tomboyish surfer, lives in a huge house and is very sensitive regarding how people think of her; she hates being underestimated. She's sure to impress in Smile.