The Smile franchise has been one of the breakout horror hits of the 2020s, with two films grossing over $350 million combined and earning critical acclaim. Now, the terrifying universe is expanding in a surprising new direction: comic books. IDW Publishing's horror imprint, IDW Dark, is launching Any Given Smile, a five-issue series that brings the malevolent Smile Entity to the gridiron of 1990s arena football.
Entertainment Weekly debuted an exclusive look at the comic, including five variant covers that capture the eerie tone. The covers range from a bloody, grinning football by Jock to a haunting quarterback illustration by Ashley Witter, a torn trading card by Pablo M. Collar, and a shadowy gambling underworld brought to life by Martin Simmonds and Joëlle Jones. Collar also handles interior art, with the story penned by Eisner Award-nominee Stephanie Williams and colors and letters by Triona Farrell and Ariana Maher.
What Is 'Any Given Smile' About?
The series is set in 1995, leading up to the American Arena League championship game. The Sharks, a team celebrating 20 years, pin their hopes on a backup quarterback who has become a star under pressure. But he's burdened by debts to the gambling underworld, and a string of mysterious suicides rocks the community. A suspicious sports journalist digs into the connection between the deaths and the looming game, unaware that the Smile Entity is sowing chaos and distrust.
Williams told EW that the football setting was a perfect fit for the franchise's themes. "Because that universe is often about people who are a little bit broken or just have things going on, football players almost always have some type of drama, some type of backstory that is sometimes a little unsavory," she said. She also noted the timely element of sports gambling, which has become ubiquitous in advertising and partnerships with major leagues. "This was the perfect chance for me to get my other fandoms and obsessions into a work."
The Smile films, directed by Parker Finn, have explored trauma and stardom through different protagonists—first therapist Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) and then pop star Skye Riley (Naomi Scott). The curse passes from victim to witness via a haunting smile, creating an endless chain. Finn has expressed openness to a third film if a strong thematic idea emerges, but for now, fans can dive into this comic expansion.
For those hungry for more horror, check out The 8 Most Universally Acclaimed Horror Movies of All Time, Ranked. And if you're a fan of sequels that take unexpected turns, see how Jason Statham's 'Wrath of Man' Is Primed for a Bigger, Badder Sequel.
Any Given Smile is available for pre-order now from local comic shops. The variant covers are a must-see for collectors and horror fans alike.
