The Chilling Truth About Ray Nicholson's 'Smile 2' Role: 5 Ways He Honored His Father's Horror Legacy

The horror sequel *Smile 2* has proven to be one of the most talked-about films of late 2024, not just for its terrifying plot, but for a piece of casting that critics are calling "genius." The movie, which hit theaters on October 18, 2024, features a standout performance from Ray Nicholson, the son of Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson. His role as the deceased actor Paul Hudson is brief but pivotal, delivering a chilling moment that intentionally—and brilliantly—channels the iconic horror legacy of his father. This deep dive explores the actor's profile, his career-defining moment in the film, and the intentional homage that has sent shivers down the spines of a new generation of horror fans.

The decision by director Parker Finn to cast Ray Nicholson was a calculated move that paid off, creating a layer of meta-horror for cinephiles. The younger Nicholson’s ability to conjure that familiar, unsettling expression has dominated post-release discussion, establishing him as a compelling presence in the new wave of psychological horror. This article reveals the full details of his life and career, the specifics of his character, and why his "creepy grin" is the most terrifying callback in modern cinema.

Ray Nicholson: Biography and Professional Profile

Born into Hollywood royalty, Ray Nicholson has steadily carved out his own career path, moving from behind-the-scenes work to becoming a respected actor in his own right. His performance in *Smile 2* marks a significant turning point, bringing him mainstream recognition and inevitable comparisons to his famous father, Jack Nicholson.

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• Full Name: Raymond Broussard Nicholson
• Date of Birth: February 20, 1992
• Age (as of late 2024): 32 years old
• Parents: Jack Nicholson (father) and Rebecca Broussard (mother)
• Sibling: Lorraine Nicholson (older sister), who is also an actress.
• Early Career: Ray initially worked in various production roles, including as a production assistant on *The Benchwarmers* (2006), before moving into acting.
• Notable Filmography:
  • *The Benchwarmers* (2006)
  • *The Outsider* (2018)
  • *Promising Young Woman* (2020)
  • *Licorice Pizza* (2021)
  • *The Hating Game* (2021)
  • *Smile 2* (2024)
  • *Novocaine* (Upcoming)
• Current Status: Gained wide recognition for his supporting role in the 2024 horror hit *Smile 2*.

The Role of Paul Hudson: A Deceased Star's Terrifying Return

In *Smile 2*, Ray Nicholson takes on the role of Paul Hudson, the deceased boyfriend of the main character, pop star Skye Riley (played by Naomi Scott). Paul is a former actor who tragically died in a car accident a year before the main events of the film.

The film’s plot revolves around the Smile Entity, a demonic force that psychologically torments its victim before driving them to a violent, smiling suicide. For Skye Riley, the curse manifests by exploiting her trauma and grief over Paul's death.

Paul Hudson is not a living character but a horrifying apparition. He appears to Skye during her descent into madness, often with the signature, unnerving, wide-toothed grin that signifies the Entity’s presence. This is where Nicholson’s performance becomes central to the film's horror. He is the personification of Skye's past trauma, weaponized by the demonic curse.

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The character is integral to the film’s theme, highlighting how the Entity preys on the most vulnerable aspects of a person’s mind. Paul Hudson represents the unresolved guilt and pain that Skye carries, making his smiling appearances deeply personal and truly terrifying for the audience.

5 Ways Ray Nicholson’s Performance is a Masterful 'Shining' Homage

The casting of Ray Nicholson was far from accidental. Director Parker Finn, a known fan of classic horror, openly acknowledged that he cast the actor in part to pay tribute to his father's iconic performance as Jack Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 masterpiece, *The Shining*.

The connection is more than just a nod; it’s a deliberate use of Hollywood history to amplify the horror. Here are the five key elements that make Ray Nicholson's performance a masterful homage to his father's legacy:

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1. The Unmistakable "Creepy Grin"

This is the most direct link. Jack Nicholson's wide, manic, and unsettling grin is synonymous with the breakdown of Jack Torrance. In *Smile 2*, Ray Nicholson’s Paul Hudson delivers a near-identical expression—a wide, unnatural, and terrifying smile that is immediately recognizable to horror fans. Critics and audiences alike praised the younger Nicholson for channeling this specific, bone-chilling madness with uncanny accuracy.

2. The Director’s Intentional Casting

Parker Finn confirmed that the casting was a conscious decision to honor *The Shining*. He stated that while Ray Nicholson earned the role on merit—delivering a powerful audition—the connection to his father added an irresistible layer of cinematic history. The director specifically wanted to evoke the feeling of dread associated with the Nicholson name in horror.

3. The Theme of Isolation and Descent into Madness

Both *The Shining* and *Smile 2* deal with a psychological descent. Jack Torrance's madness is driven by the Overlook Hotel, while Skye Riley’s is driven by the Entity. Ray Nicholson’s character, Paul Hudson, is the agent of this terror for Skye, mirroring how Jack Torrance becomes the source of horror for his family. The appearance of Paul is a sign that Skye is losing her grip on reality, a clear parallel to the themes of psychological breakdown in the classic film.

4. The Meta-Horror Effect

The casting creates an immediate "meta" moment for the audience. When Ray Nicholson’s face appears with that grin, the audience is not just seeing Paul Hudson; they are seeing the son of Jack Nicholson, consciously invoking the horror of one of cinema’s most famous villains. This external knowledge enhances the internal fear of the scene, making the moment uniquely potent.

5. A Standout Performance in a Superior Sequel

The critical reception of *Smile 2* has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers calling it a superior sequel that elevates the original premise. Ray Nicholson is consistently cited as a standout, scene-stealing element, even with limited screen time. His ability to anchor such an essential, terrifying moment confirms his talent and solidifies his connection to the horror genre, moving beyond his father's shadow to create his own terrifying legacy.

The Future of Ray Nicholson in Horror and Beyond

The success of *Smile 2* has firmly positioned Ray Nicholson as an actor to watch. While his background will always be a talking point, his performance as Paul Hudson proves he can command the screen in a demanding genre. The film’s focus on the curse spreading to a global pop star (Skye Riley) has expanded the franchise's scope, and Nicholson’s role as the first major apparition in the sequel is a crucial piece of that expansion.

With other projects like the upcoming thriller *Novocaine* on his slate, Nicholson is continuing to explore intense, character-driven roles. His work in *Smile 2* is a testament to the power of smart casting and a reminder that sometimes, the most effective scares come from a familiar, yet utterly corrupted, face. The "Nicholson Smile" is officially back, and it's as chilling as ever.