Parker Finn
- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Parker Finn is an American writer, director, and producer who has quickly emerged as a prominent voice in modern psychological horror. He is best known as the creator of the Smile franchise, which began with his feature directorial debut in 2022. Finn's work is characterised by an emphasis on atmosphere, emotional depth, and the use of practical effects to create unsettling, visceral experiences for the audience.
His career gained significant momentum following the success of his short film, Laura Hasn't Slept (2020), which won a Special Jury Award at SXSW. This short served as the springboard for the feature-length film Smile (2022). Originally intended for a streaming-only release on Paramount+, the film was moved to a worldwide theatrical release after receiving exceptionally high scores at test screenings. It went on to become the highest-grossing original horror film of 2022, earning over $216 million globally.
Following this breakout success, Finn signed a multi-year first-look deal with Paramount Pictures and founded his own production company, Bad Feeling. He returned to write and direct the sequel, Smile 2 (2024), which was also a critical and commercial success.
Finn's upcoming projects include writing and directing a third instalment in the Smile franchise and a highly anticipated remake of the 1981 cult psychological horror film Possession, which he is developing alongside producer Robert Pattinson.
His career gained significant momentum following the success of his short film, Laura Hasn't Slept (2020), which won a Special Jury Award at SXSW. This short served as the springboard for the feature-length film Smile (2022). Originally intended for a streaming-only release on Paramount+, the film was moved to a worldwide theatrical release after receiving exceptionally high scores at test screenings. It went on to become the highest-grossing original horror film of 2022, earning over $216 million globally.
Following this breakout success, Finn signed a multi-year first-look deal with Paramount Pictures and founded his own production company, Bad Feeling. He returned to write and direct the sequel, Smile 2 (2024), which was also a critical and commercial success.
Finn's upcoming projects include writing and directing a third instalment in the Smile franchise and a highly anticipated remake of the 1981 cult psychological horror film Possession, which he is developing alongside producer Robert Pattinson.
