From 'Smile 2' To 'Novocaine': 7 Must-See Ray Nicholson Movies And TV Shows That Define His Rising Career

The legacy of a Hollywood icon is a heavy mantle, but for Ray Nicholson, the son of the legendary Jack Nicholson, his recent filmography proves he is carving a sharp, unique path in the industry. As of December 15, 2025, Nicholson’s career trajectory is skyrocketing, moving from critically acclaimed indie roles to starring in major studio hits and highly anticipated 2025 thrillers.

The actor has decisively stepped out of his father's shadow, gaining wide recognition for his intense performance in the massive 2024 horror hit, Smile 2, and is set to dominate 2025 with two major releases: the action-packed film Novocaine and the horror-comedy Borderline. This article provides a deep dive into the essential movies and TV shows that define his journey, showcasing his versatility across genres, from psychological thrillers to dramatic television series.

Ray Nicholson: Biography and Professional Profile

Ray Nicholson, officially Raymond Nicholson, is an American actor who has steadily built a reputation for compelling and complex performances. His professional profile is marked by a deliberate choice of diverse roles, allowing him to demonstrate his range beyond the shadow of his famous lineage.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• Full Name: Raymond Nicholson
• Date of Birth: February 20, 1992
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Parents: Jack Nicholson (Actor) and Rebecca Broussard (Actress/Model)
• Notable Early Work: Began his career with smaller roles, including a brief appearance as "Kid Catcher #1" in The Benchwarmers (2006).
• Breakout Year: 2024, following the massive commercial success of the horror sequel Smile 2.
• Upcoming Projects: Confirmed lead roles in Novocaine (2025) and Borderline (2025).

The Roles That Defined His Breakout Success

While Ray Nicholson has been working in the industry for years, a series of key roles in major projects solidified his status as a serious, versatile actor, capable of handling high-stakes dramatic and genre material. These projects are crucial to understanding his topical authority in modern Hollywood.

1. Smile 2 (2024): The Horror Juggernaut

The role that truly launched Ray Nicholson into the mainstream consciousness was his starring performance in the 2024 horror sequel, Smile 2. The film was a critical and commercial success, giving Nicholson a platform to showcase his intense, dramatic abilities to a massive global audience. His performance in the horror film was widely praised, particularly for the unsettling psychological depth he brought to the character.

The original *Smile* film had a massive cultural impact, making the sequel one of the most anticipated horror releases of the year. Nicholson’s ability to anchor such a high-pressure follow-up proved his mettle as a leading man in the genre space. This project allowed him to gain "wide recognition," moving beyond the independent film circuit.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

2. Promising Young Woman (2020): The Critical Darling

Before his horror success, Nicholson was part of the ensemble cast of the critically acclaimed, Oscar-winning film Promising Young Woman (2020). Directed by Emerald Fennell, this dark comedy-thriller was a cultural phenomenon, exploring themes of trauma, revenge, and the patriarchy.

Although his role was supporting, being associated with such a high-profile, critically revered project demonstrated his commitment to quality filmmaking. The film's sharp script and provocative subject matter allowed him to work alongside major stars and gain exposure to the industry’s top-tier talent, marking a significant step in his career evolution.

3. Panic (2021): The Amazon Prime Video Series

Ray Nicholson proved his ability to lead a long-form television narrative in the Amazon Prime Video series Panic (2021). The series, based on the novel by Lauren Oliver, focused on a high-stakes, life-or-death competition among graduating high school seniors in a small Texas town.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

Nicholson’s role in Panic was central to the show’s dramatic tension. His work in the series allowed him to delve into the complexities of a young adult character facing extreme pressure and moral ambiguity. The shift to streaming television demonstrated his adaptability and appeal to a younger, binge-watching audience, further diversifying his filmography.

4. The Outsider (2018) and Out of the Blue (2022)

Two other notable film entries in his career are the crime drama The Outsider (2018) and the neo-noir thriller Out of the Blue (2022). In *The Outsider*, he played an American Stock Broker, showing his early ability to handle international casts and settings.

In Out of the Blue, he starred opposite Diane Kruger, showcasing his comfort in the intense, psychological thriller space. These roles, while perhaps less commercially massive than *Smile 2*, were crucial for his development, allowing him to hone his craft in nuanced, character-driven independent cinema.

The Future of the Nicholson Name: Highly Anticipated 2025 Projects

The year 2025 is shaping up to be Ray Nicholson’s most significant yet, with two major film releases that cement his status as a rising star, particularly in the thriller and action genres. These upcoming projects reveal a strategic choice to tackle challenging, often darker, roles.

5. Novocaine (2025): The Action-Packed Villain

Scheduled for release on March 14, 2025, Novocaine is an action-packed film that sees Nicholson take on a role he described as a "complicated bad guy". The film is set to be a significant test of his ability to command the screen in a high-octane action environment.

Nicholson has spoken openly about loving the opportunity to play a complex character, embracing the challenge of portraying a villain with depth and layers. This choice demonstrates his desire to avoid being typecast and instead pursue roles that require intense, psychological preparation, further distinguishing his career path from his father's early work.

6. Borderline (2025): The Obsessed Fan

Another major 2025 release is the horror-comedy/thriller Borderline, which pairs Ray Nicholson with actress Samara Weaving. In this wild new thriller, Nicholson plays a fan who becomes dangerously obsessed with Weaving's character, a '90s pop star.

The film, directed by Jimmy Warden (writer of *Cocaine Bear*), promises a blend of dark humor and genuine suspense. The subject matter—a wedding planned against the bride's will—and the theme of celebrity obsession offer a chance for Nicholson to explore the darker, more unhinged side of human psychology. This project further solidifies his topical authority in the modern genre film space, particularly in psychological thrillers.

7. Where Are You (2019): Early Independent Work

Rounding out his essential filmography is the independent film Where Are You (2019), where he played the character Cedric. This earlier work is a testament to his dedication to the craft, often taking on smaller, character-focused roles in independent cinema to build his experience. The film is a crucial part of his journey, showing the foundation of his acting career before the major studio projects began to roll in.

Ray Nicholson’s career is a compelling study in an actor building his own identity in one of the world's most scrutinized families. By strategically choosing roles that challenge him—from the intense horror of *Smile 2* to the action villainy of *Novocaine*—he is not just an actor, but a rising force in modern cinema, proving that he is more than just a famous son; he is a formidable talent in his own right.