Two of the most chilling horror universes in recent memory are about to grow even darker: Smile and A Quiet Place are each getting spine-tingling new spinoffs that promise to uncover unseen corners of their worlds. But they’re not the only nightmares on the horizon for 2026.
Thanks to an exclusive reveal from IDW Dark via Entertainment Weekly, fans now have a chilling glimpse into the dark and highly anticipated future of Smile and A Quiet Place. Both iconic horror franchises will expand with a brand-new comic spin-off. First up is Smile: For the Camera, from writer Hannah Rose May (Rogues’ Gallery, The Exorcism at 1600 Penn) and artist Miriana Puglia (Red Sonja, Gargoyles).
Next is A Quiet Place: Storm Warning from writer and layout artist Phil Hester (Gotham City: Year One, Swamp Thing) and artist Ryan Kelly (Lucifer, Stranger Things). The excitement doesn’t end there either, as IDW Dark is also set to release a sequel to The Exorcism at 1600 Penn and a new Dracula story.
Smile and A Quiet Place Take Horror to New Heights in 2026
From Fashion Week Nightmares to Midwestern Terror, Fans Will Experience Fresh Stories in These Iconic Franchises
Smile: For the Camera, hitting stands in February, is set within the universe of the two Smile horror movies. Taking place in 2005, the story follows a group of international models in New York during Fashion Week as they are stalked by the Smile Entity. Writer Hannah Rose May describes the comic as “a disgustingly good time,” dropping the Entity right into the ruthless world of modeling.
Building on the winter horror excitement, March brings A Quiet Place: Storm Warning, transporting fans to the small midwestern island town of Pearl, Iowa. This new setting contrasts with the first two films, the prequel, and the video game, all of which took place across upstate and urban New York, offering readers a fresh perspective on the franchise’s tense, survival-driven world.
Together, these releases signal an exciting expansion of both universes this winter and early spring. Smile: For the Camera and A Quiet Place: Storm Warning continue IDW Dark’s mission to grow Paramount-owned properties through comics, giving fans more content to immerse themselves in while exploring new horrors and untold stories within these iconic franchises.
IDW Dark Unleashes Two Terrifying New Originals for 2026
From Royal Hauntings to Vampire Warfare, These Chilling Stories Promise a Horror-Filled Year
In addition to Smile: For the Camera and A Quiet Place: Storm Warning, IDW Dark will release two new original horror titles, including The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace. Hitting shelves in March, this sequel to The Exorcism at 1600 Penn reunites series creator Hannah Rose May with artist Kelsey Ramsay to tell a chilling story centered on London’s royal residence and a dark, shocking family curse.
Rounding out the lineup is Operation: Iron Coffin from writer Kenny Porter and artist Tyrell Cannon, set for release in July 2026. The story, spun from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, follows the vampire as he emerges from an iron coffin dropped onto a Nazi superweapon train, ready to battle Hitler’s army of vampires. Based on these titles, horror fans have a thrilling year ahead.
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- Created by
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John Krasinski, Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
- First Film
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A Quiet Place
- Latest Film
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A Quiet Place: Day One
- Upcoming Films
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A Quiet Place Part III
- Cast
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John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Cillian Murphy, Djimon Hounsou, Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff
- Spin-offs (Movies)
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A Quiet Place: Day One
A Quiet Place is a film franchise that centers on a post-apocalyptic Earth following an alien invasion by ruthless creatures that are blind but have unparalleled hearing. Beginning with the first film in 2018, the core plot surrounds the Abbott family, who use sign language to communicate with each other in a world where an errant sound can mean death.
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- Created by
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William Peter Blatty
- First Film
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The Exorcist
- Latest Film
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The Exorcist: Believer
- Upcoming Films
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The Exorcist: Deceiver
- First TV Show
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The Exorcist
- Latest TV Show
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The Exorcist
“The Exorcist” is a horror franchise that began with the iconic 1973 film, widely regarded as one of the scariest movies ever made. The franchise revolves around themes of demonic possession and exorcism, typically focusing on the battle between priests and evil spirits. Known for its terrifying atmosphere, psychological depth, and religious themes, “The Exorcist” has expanded into multiple films, a TV series, novels, and more, leaving a lasting impact on the horror genre.
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- Created by
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Parker Finn
- First Film
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Smile
- Latest Film
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Smile
- Upcoming Films
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Smile 2
- Cast
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Sosie Bacon, Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Kal Penn, Caitlin Stasey, Rob Morgan, Judy Reyes, Robin Weigert, Gillian Zinser, Jack Sochet
- Movie(s)
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Smile, Smile 2
The Smile franchise is a psychological horror series that started with the 2022 film about a curse passed through traumatic experiences, forcing victims to die with a sinister smile. Based on Parker Finn’s short Laura Hasn’t Slept, Smile became a surprise hit and a sequel is planned.
