The Chilling Truth: 5 Ways Ray Nicholson's Role In Smile 2 Is A Genius Homage To The Shining

The buzz around the supernatural psychological horror sequel, Smile 2, has been deafening since its October 2024 theatrical release, but one piece of casting has captured the attention of every horror aficionado: Ray Nicholson. As of December 2025, the conversation still revolves around his chilling performance as Paul Hudson, a role that is far more than just a supporting character—it is a masterclass in cinematic homage, directly channeling the terrifying legacy of his legendary father, Jack Nicholson, and his iconic performance in The Shining. Director Parker Finn's "genius" decision to cast Ray was not a coincidence; it was a deliberate, spooky nod to one of horror's most impactful figures, giving the sequel a layer of meta-horror that elevates the entire film.

Ray Nicholson’s portrayal of Paul Hudson, the deceased boyfriend of pop superstar Skye Riley (Naomi Scott), is a crucial, unsettling element of the sequel's plot, appearing in the protagonist's terrifying flashbacks and hauntings. The uncanny resemblance and the ability to deliver that signature, malevolent grin have made his scenes some of the most memorable and discussed moments in the movie, solidifying his place as a rising star carving his own path in Hollywood while embracing his family's iconic shadow.

Ray Nicholson: Biography and Rising Filmography

Born into Hollywood royalty, Raymond "Ray" Nicholson is quickly establishing a formidable career outside of his famous lineage. His role in Smile 2 is arguably his most high-profile to date, but his filmography shows a steady rise in diverse projects, proving his acting chops are entirely his own.

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• Full Name: Raymond Nicholson
• Date of Birth: February 20, 1992
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Parents: Jack Nicholson (Legendary Actor) and Rebecca Broussard (Actress/Model)
• Notable Film Roles: The Benchwarmers (2006), Promising Young Woman (2020), Licorice Pizza (2021), Borderline (2024), and Smile 2 (2024)
• Other Work: He has also worked behind the camera, taking on assistant director roles for films like A Reunion and Boots.
• Education: He attended the University of Southern California (USC).

Ray's career trajectory shows a clear focus on independent and critically acclaimed projects, avoiding the easy path of blockbuster roles until his strategic and impactful casting in the Parker Finn-directed horror sequel.

The Paul Hudson Character: A Deceased Star's Malevolent Influence

In Smile 2, Ray Nicholson plays Paul Hudson, a celebrity and the former boyfriend of the lead character, pop star Skye Riley. Paul is a crucial figure in the film's narrative, despite being deceased before the main events unfold. His death is the catalyst for much of Skye's psychological trauma, making him a central figure in the manifestation of the sinister Smile entity.

The sequel follows Skye Riley as she, an already fragile and overworked star, begins to see the deadly curse that was passed on to her. Paul Hudson appears primarily in terrifying hallucinations and flashbacks, moments where the Smile entity uses his image to torment Skye. This narrative function is what allows Ray Nicholson to deliver his most unsettling moments, particularly the infamous, wide-mouthed, malevolent grin that has become synonymous with the franchise.

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His character serves as a chilling reminder of Skye's troubled past and the deep-seated issues she is trying to outrun, providing a strong emotional anchor to the film's psychological terror. The portrayal of Paul as a source of both love and profound trauma is vital to understanding the lead's descent into madness. The film smartly uses the character's celebrity status to comment on the dehumanizing nature of capitalism and fame, adding a layer of social commentary to the horror.

5 Ways Ray Nicholson’s Casting is a Direct Homage to The Shining

The most compelling aspect of Ray Nicholson's involvement in Smile 2 is the undeniable, intentional connection to his father's horror masterpiece, Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. Director Parker Finn confirmed that he “totally” cast Ray as an homage, recognizing the striking physical resemblance and the ability to channel that specific, terrifying energy.

1. The Uncanny "Jack Torrance" Smile

The entire premise of the Smile franchise hinges on a terrifying, unnatural smile. Ray Nicholson’s facial features, particularly his unsettlingly wide grin in his haunting scenes as Paul Hudson, are a dead ringer for his father's iconic, manic expression as Jack Torrance in The Shining. This visual connection is so strong that it immediately cues horror fans into the film’s self-aware nod to horror history.

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2. Channelling the Madness of Jack Torrance

The character of Paul Hudson, though seen in fragments, embodies a certain sense of deranged, unhinged madness, especially when manifesting as a cursed entity. Critics and fans alike noted that Ray’s performance channels the psychological terror and slow descent into insanity that made Jack Torrance one of horror's most impactful characters. It’s a brilliant piece of meta-casting that plays on the audience's deep-seated familiarity with the Nicholson horror legacy.

3. The Director's Explicit Confirmation

Unlike many rumored homages, director Parker Finn has openly discussed the inspiration. He stated that Jack Nicholson is one of his favorite actors and that Ray's strong audition, combined with his physical likeness, made the casting a perfect opportunity for a "genius" and heartfelt tribute. This transparency solidifies the connection, making it an official part of the Smile 2’s lore.

4. A Horror Legacy Passed Down

The casting serves as a symbolic passing of the torch in the horror genre. Jack Nicholson's performance in The Shining is foundational to the modern horror landscape. By featuring his son in a pivotal role in a major, modern horror franchise like Smile 2, the movie acknowledges and celebrates the enduring power of that original legacy. It is a powerful narrative choice that adds depth to the film’s terror.

5. The Visual Call-Backs in Marketing

The marketing and promotional materials for Smile 2 often highlighted Ray Nicholson’s face and his unsettling grin. This was a strategic move to lure horror fans with the promise of a nostalgic, yet fresh, take on the classic "creepy smile" trope. The mere sight of Ray on the poster was branded as a "genius" move, confirming the widespread recognition of the connection to the "Here's Johnny!" moment.

Topical Authority: The Expanding Smile Universe

Ray Nicholson’s involvement is a major factor in the continued success of the Smile cinematic universe. The sequel, which also features returning star Kyle Gallner as Joel and introduces new cast members like Rosemarie DeWitt (as Elizabeth Riley) and Lukas Gage (as Lewis), successfully expands the lore of the demonic entity, making the curse feel more pervasive and terrifying than ever.

The film shifts the focus from a mental health professional (Dr. Rose Cotter in the first film) to a high-profile celebrity, Skye Riley, exploring how the curse weaponizes public scrutiny and the pressures of fame. Paul Hudson's role as a ghost of Skye's past is integral to this theme, as his own celebrity status and dark history are used against her. The entity, in its various forms, exploits the most vulnerable aspects of the victim’s life, and for Skye, that vulnerability is inextricably linked to Paul Hudson's memory.

Ultimately, Ray Nicholson in Smile 2 is more than just an actor in a horror movie; he is a living, breathing Easter egg and a powerful tribute to one of horror’s most enduring figures. His performance as the terrifyingly smiling Paul Hudson ensures that the legacy of the Nicholson grin will continue to haunt a new generation of filmgoers.