Ray Nicholson, the son of legendary actor Jack Nicholson, is making waves with his chilling performance in the horror sequel “Smile 2.” The younger Nicholson’s striking resemblance to his famous father has not gone unnoticed, with “Smile 2” director Parker Finn admitting that he specifically cast Ray as a nod to his “favorite film of all time”—Stanley Kubrick’s classic “The Shining.”
A Striking Resemblance
From the moment Ray Nicholson appears on screen as the character of Paul Hudson, the connection to his father’s iconic role as Jack Torrance in “The Shining” is immediately apparent. The 32-year-old actor skillfully embodies his father’s piercing gaze and sinister grin, evoking a chilling effect on the audience.
“I think I’m always trying to reference ‘The Shining,'” Finn told Entertainment Weekly. “With Ray, he auditioned for that role. The audition was so strong. Of course, Jack Nicholson is one of my favorite actors of all time. I love Ray’s strong genetics, and his smile instantly made me think, “Oh my God, it’s like looking at a young Jack.”
Embracing the Resemblance
For Ray Nicholson, the comparisons to his father’s iconic performance have been a source of both pride and personal growth. The actor acknowledges the similarities but is also adamant about forging his own path in the industry. “My dad and I don’t talk that much about acting,” Nicholson told “CBS Mornings.” “I think it’s important for me to find my way.”
In an interview with Deadline, the younger Nicholson elaborated on the relationship with his legendary father, stating, “We’re very different people. I was born in 1992; he was born in 1937. Things that impact me don’t necessarily impact him. However, he also shared his deep admiration for Jack Nicholson, calling him his “inspiration” and “hero” and crediting his father’s influence for shaping him into the person he is today.
Channeling the “Kubrick Stare”
Director Parker Finn took full advantage of Ray Nicholson’s striking resemblance to his father, incorporating the iconic “Kubrick Stare” that Jack Nicholson pioneered in “The Shining” into the younger actor’s performance.
Finn explained, “Sometimes the actors show up clearly, really prepared, as if they’ve been studying in the mirror at home, and other times it takes a little more coaching.” “I find what you want to do is smile in a friendly way; you don’t want to over-exaggerate it, you don’t want to strain your face, but it’s all about disconnecting the eyes from the smile, and then about how you position the head,” Finn explained.
This chilling, yet alluring, combination of a warm smile and a cold, calculating gaze is central to Ray Nicholson’s portrayal of the haunting character of Paul Hudson, and it’s a clear nod to his father’s legendary performance.
Establishing His Own Legacy
While Ray Nicholson’s physical resemblance to his father has undoubtedly opened doors for him in the industry, the young actor is determined to carve out his own path and establish himself as a distinct talent.
“I think I’d probably hang onto his word too much,” Nicholson said. I think it’s important for me to find my way,” Nicholson said of his relationship with his father’s advice.
In “Smile 2,” Nicholson showcases his ability to infuse a character with a sense of charm and charisma while also hinting at the underlying darkness and instability that lie beneath the surface.
“What really struck me was how well he slipped into that venomous but charming character he’s playing in the film,” Finn remarked. “He was able to evoke the sensation of being extremely anxious, yet at the same time, he was also able to tickle me.”
A Promising Future
As “Smile 2” continues to captivate audiences with its chilling thrills, Ray Nicholson’s performance is sure to garner even more attention and acclaim. The younger Nicholson is ready to establish his own legacy in the entertainment industry, demonstrating that he is more than just a striking resemblance to his father’s iconic work.
With his talent, dedication, and unwavering determination to forge his own path, Ray Nicholson is well on his way to becoming a formidable actor in his own right and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Nicholson name.
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