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Naomi Scott on Kristen Stewart's referral and the creepy smiles she got in public

Naomi Scott Talks About Channeling Kristen Stewart’s Style for Smile 2 and How She Hopes Fans Keep the Creepy Smiles to Themselves

By Sangha Raksmit DewanPublished about a year ago 5 min read
Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

Naomi Scott, a talented actress known for her roles in movies like Aladdin and Charlie’s Angels, has been making waves with her latest performance in Smile 2. Playing the role of Skye Riley, a troubled pop star, Scott faced both physical and emotional challenges in bringing the character to life. In a recent interview, she shared her thoughts on how she prepared for the role and revealed an interesting fact about how her close friend, Kristen Stewart, inspired part of her character’s look. Scott also opened up about some eerie fan interactions she’s been dealing with since the movie’s release, particularly regarding the creepy smiles that have become a signature of the Smile franchise.

Naomi Scott on Referencing Kristen Stewart for Skye Riley’s Look

In Smile 2, Naomi Scott plays Skye Riley, a pop star who is trying to rebuild her life after a devastating car accident that killed her famous boyfriend. One of the most notable things about Skye, aside from her troubled past, is her striking appearance, which sets her apart from Scott’s previous roles. A key part of Skye’s character development was her transformation into a blonde pop star with a bold new look. Surprisingly, Scott revealed that much of the inspiration for Skye’s hairstyle came from none other than her friend and former co-star, Kristen Stewart.

Even though they worked together on Charlie’s Angels and have remained friends, Scott admits that she still looks up to Stewart for her fashion and style. Scott clarified in her interview, "Even though she's a friend, she's still Kristen Stewart, and so she's still someone that you reference."

For Skye’s appearance, Scott and the hair and makeup team decided to give her a short, slicked-back hairstyle, similar to a look Stewart had worn on the red carpet. The decision to cut her long, dark hair and bleach it blonde was a significant change for Scott, but it was essential in helping her fully embrace the character of Skye.

Transforming Into Skye Riley

Scott’s transformation for Smile 2 wasn’t just about a change in hairstyle. The role required her to get into the mindset of a pop star struggling with deep emotional wounds. Skye Riley is a character who has gone through a traumatic event, and much of her journey in the movie revolves around dealing with the guilt and pain of losing her boyfriend in the accident. To portray such a complex character, Scott had to tap into a wide range of emotions, something she handled with grace and intensity.

One of the most challenging scenes in the film involved Skye trying to wake herself from what she believes is a nightmare. In the scene, she slaps herself to snap out of the situation, but instead of relying on movie tricks or special effects, Scott chose to perform the slap herself. “Of course, I’m going to slap myself,” Scott said, explaining that it was important for the authenticity of the scene. This dedication to the role is one of the reasons why Scott’s performance in Smile 2 has been so widely praised.

Scott’s Powerful Performance in Smile 2

Naomi Scott’s portrayal of Skye Riley in Smile 2 is one of her most intense performances to date. The character of Skye is not just dealing with the trauma of her past, but she’s also navigating the pressures of being in the public eye. Playing such a multi-layered character required Scott to push herself both emotionally and physically.

Her performance in Smile 2 has been lauded for its depth and raw emotion. Whether it’s the vulnerability she shows in moments of grief or the strength she displays as Skye tries to rebuild her life, Scott’s ability to convey such a wide range of emotions has impressed both fans and critics alike. The role was a departure from the more lighthearted characters Scott has played in the past, and it has further cemented her reputation as a versatile actress capable of handling challenging roles.

"Please Don’t" – Naomi Scott on Creepy Smiles in Real Life

One of the most memorable marketing strategies for the Smile franchise involved placing actors with unsettling smiles at public events, including sports games. The campaign became a viral sensation, and the creepy smiles became a signature part of the Smile movies. However, the popularity of these eerie smiles has led to some unexpected consequences for Naomi Scott in real life.

Since the release of Smile 2, Scott has encountered fans who have taken the creepy smile concept a bit too far. While she loves interacting with fans, she has made it clear that she would prefer not to be on the receiving end of these unsettling smiles. “Please don’t [creepy smile at me],” Scott said during an interview, adding that she is quite jumpy and easily startled. She expressed her hope that fans would respect her boundaries and keep the creepy smiles on-screen where they belong.

Despite the unnerving fan encounters, Scott remains grateful for the love and support she’s received for her role in Smile 2. She understands that the creepy smiles are part of what made the movie so successful, but she’s quick to remind fans that there are other ways to show their appreciation.

Naomi Scott’s Artistic Growth

Beyond her performance in Smile 2, Naomi Scott has continued to grow as an artist and performer. Her ability to take on challenging roles and transform herself for each character is a testament to her dedication and talent. From her breakout role as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin to the tough, determined character of Elena in Charlie’s Angels, Scott has proven that she is not afraid to take risks and push herself as an actress.

One way Scott takes inspiration from people around her is when she chooses to dress her character in Smile 2 in a manner similar to Kristen Stewart. It's obvious that Stewart, who is renowned for her daring dress choices and fearless acting style, has left a lasting impression on Scott. Through the incorporation of Stewart's style into Skye Riley's appearance, Scott succeeded in crafting a persona that was both aesthetically arresting and incredibly nuanced.

Conclusion

Naomi Scott's performance in Smile 2 demonstrates both her extraordinary range as an actress and her commitment to giving every character her whole attention. Scott gave a performance that fans will remember, drawing inspiration from Kristen Stewart for Skye Riley's daring appearance and delivering genuine, intensely emotional moments. Scott continues to manage the attention with grace and humor, reminding us that sometimes it's best to leave things on screen, even though the Smile franchise's viral marketing has resulted in some unsettling fan experiences.

Her performance in Smile 2 serves as a testament to her range as an actress and serves as a timely reminder of the value of being authentic and inspired by oneself both on and off screen.

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About the Creator

Sangha Raksmit Dewan

I’m a writer who loves sharing stories about true crime, entertainment, and real-life events. I dive into fascinating topics like notorious criminals and how their stories are brought to life in movies and TV shows.

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