The Black Phone 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2022 breakout upcoming horror movie, The Black Phone. This sequel continues to stir intense speculation about the return of the menacing Grabber. The original movie, released to critical acclaim, saw audiences and critics alike praising Ethan Hawke for his chilling portrayal of the villain. Since its debut, the film has maintained a strong following, buoyed by hints of a sequel from the creative trio—Derrickson, Hawke, and Hill.
Based on Joe Hill’s gripping short story, The Black Phone narrates the harrowing tale of 13-year-old Finney Shaw, abducted by a serial killer dubbed The Grabber. With the original film laying a robust groundwork for storytelling, The Black Phone 2 promises to delve deeper into the dark narrative, reacquainting audiences with its formidable antagonist. Derrickson, Hawke, and Hill have all expressed their interest in expanding this harrowing universe, and in 2023, the production of The Black Phone 2 was officially announced, rekindling excitement for another encounter with The Grabber.
Production for The Black Phone 2 has officially kicked off, with filming beginning in 2024. The announcement came directly from director Scott Derrickson, who shared the news on X. On November 4, 2024, Derrickson posted a close-up image of the back of his director’s chair, showcasing the sequel’s new logo. Accompanied by a succinct caption, Derrickson stated, “Black Phone 2 began shooting today.” With The Black Phone 2 release date slated for October 2025, the film remains firmly on track.
The Black Phone 2 Is Set for Release in 2025
Originally set to premiere on June 27, 2025, The Black Phone 2 has experienced a four-month postponement, with a new release date scheduled for October 17, 2025. While the delay may disappoint eager fans, the timing could prove advantageous. Releasing closer to Halloween, a peak season for horror films may help the sequel attract a larger viewership. This makes it one of the new movies to watch during the spooky season. Universal Pictures, the film’s distributor, plans for a theatrical release. As of now, details about the streaming availability and where it might be accessible post-theater are still pending clarification.
Is The Black Phone 2 Bringing Back the Original Cast, Including Ethan Hawke as The Grabber?
Ethan Hawke is set to return as the menacing villain The Grabber in The Black Phone 2, adding significant anticipation and momentum to the sequel. Despite The Grabber’s apparent demise in the first film, his return suggests that it can be challenging to permanently defeat such a compelling antagonist. The sequel will not only see the return of the primary cast from the first film but will also welcome a new face. Demián Bichir, known for his role in The Nun, will join the ensemble in a yet-to-be-disclosed character.
The confirmed cast for The Black Phone 2 thus far includes Ethan Hawke reprising his role as The Grabber, alongside the main ensemble from the original movie, and Demián Bichir in a new, intriguing role. This blend of familiar faces and new talent is poised to deepen the film’s eerie narrative and expand its universe.
| Actor | The Black Phone 2 Role |
| Ethan Hawke | The Grabber |
| Mason Thames | Finney |
| Madeleine McGraw | Gwen |
| Jeremy Davies | Terrence Shaw |
| Miguel Mora | Robin |
| Demián Bichir | Unknown |
Ethan Hawke
Mason Thames
Madeleine McGraw
Jeremy Davies
Miguel Mora
Demián Bichir
What Is the Plot of The Black Phone 2?
While specific plot details for The Black Phone 2 remain under wraps, Joe Hill, the author of the original story, planted the seeds for the sequel’s storyline. During a 2022 interview, Scott Derrickson, the director of the first movie, shared that Joe Hill approached him with an intriguing concept for a sequel contingent on the success of the first film. Hill, who is very particular about adapting his works, proposed a compelling idea that captured Derrickson’s enthusiasm.
Derrickson recounted, “Joe Hill pitched me a wonderful idea for a sequel to The Black Phone that, if this movie does well, I’m going to do it. He’s got a great idea; I really liked it. Joe’s very protective and personal about his material, but he came to me with the idea, and I was like, ‘That’s how you do a sequel to The Black Phone. That’s terrific.'”
Though the exact nature of Hill’s proposal is not disclosed, the narrative framework of The Black Phone offers a fertile ground for expansion. One potential direction for the sequel could explore if The Grabber’s victims continue to influence the real world from beyond, possibly intensifying the supernatural elements. Alternatively, the sequel might delve into The Grabber’s backstory, uncovering the origins of his malevolence. While the plot remains speculative at this point, it’s clear that The Black Phone 2 is poised to be a gripping and possibly more spine-chilling continuation of the story.
Is Ethan Hawke Celebrating Scott Derrickson’s Brilliance with His Return to The Black Phone 2?
As Ethan Hawke confirms his return for The Black Phone 2, he openly praises director Scott Derrickson’s brilliance, underscoring his enthusiasm for reuniting with him on the sequel. In an interview for Leave the World Behind, Hawke was queried about his involvement in the upcoming film. While he admits uncertainty about the exact creative angles he wants to explore with his character, The Grabber, he is clear about his admiration for Derrickson’s directorial prowess.
Hawke expressed, “I have no idea what I’m trying to explore with my life. I’m an actor and I really enjoy storytelling in all its forms—there’s a place for small art films, for love stories, and for movies that scare the hell out of us at midnight.”
He continued, reflecting on his diverse acting career and his readiness to embrace different genres and storytelling methods. “I’ve spent my life trying to push myself to do different kinds of things,” Hawke added. His commitment to the project is evident as he affirmed, “That director, Scott Derrickson, is really brilliant, and if he asks me to do something, I’ll do it.” This statement highlights his respect and readiness to follow Derrickson’s vision, effectively celebrating the director’s brilliance through his eager participation in the sequel.
Are Hawke and Derrickson a Match Made in Horror Heaven?
Ethan Hawke’s involvement in The Black Phone 2 signifies his third collaborative venture with director Scott Derrickson, highlighting one of Hawke’s most fruitful partnerships in his nearly four-decade-long career. Hawke has had notable repeat collaborations with several filmmakers, particularly with Richard Linklater, starting with Before Sunrise in 1995. This relationship extended over four more projects, including the sequels to Before Sunrise, which Hawke co-wrote with Linklater and co-star Julie Delpy.
Hawke first ventured into the horror genre with Derrickson in Sinister, marking a significant shift in his acting portfolio. This film showcased Derrickson’s ability to blend naturalistic filmmaking with intense character focus, allowing Hawke and co-star Juliet Rylance to deeply explore their roles. Hawke played Ellison, a man desperate to regain his fame, while Rylance portrayed Tracy, who strives to keep their family together.
Their collaboration deepened with the 2021 release of The Black Phone, where Hawke’s portrayal of the antagonist added a new dimension to their creative synergy. The character of The Grabber was as much defined by his chilling theatricality as by his terrifying masks, elements that Joe Hill hinted would influence the sequel’s narrative. Although it remains to be seen how Hawke’s character will be reintegrated following his demise in the first film, his ongoing partnership with Derrickson is set to enrich their collective storytelling prowess, promising another compelling chapter in their joint exploration of horror.
Why Does The Black Phone 2 Have Potential for Huge Success?
Originally conceived as a standalone horror film based on Joe Hill’s 2004 short story, The Black Phone introduced audiences to the terrifying Grabber, a masked villain who abducts a teenager named Finney. In his captivity, Finney finds an old black phone that allows him to communicate with the spirits of The Grabber’s previous victims. These spectral voices guide him, ultimately helping him overpower and kill The Grabber by the film’s conclusion.
Despite its initial setup as a one-time feature, The Black Phone exceeded expectations significantly, grossing over $161 million globally against a modest $18 million production budget. It also received critical acclaim, securing a Certified Fresh rating of 81% on Rotten Tomatoes. This overwhelming success prompted Blumhouse to greenlight a sequel, The Black Phone 2, with the studio alongside Universal confirming its upcoming release.
Transitioning into a sequel presents its challenges, particularly given that Hawke’s character, The Grabber, is unlikely to return. However, the foundation is set for The Black Phone 2 to potentially spearhead a new sinister franchise that delves deeper into the themes established in the first film. As of now, with no specific casting or plot details disclosed, the sequel holds limitless narrative possibilities.
Is The Black Phone a true story?
The Black Phone 2 is not a true story. It is a fictional horror film based on the original short story by Joe Hill. While the film draws inspiration from real-life events and the dark atmosphere of the 1970s, it is a work of fiction.
Is there a trailer for The Black Phone 2 2025?
Unfortunately, there is no trailer available for The Black Phone 2 yet, as the production is still in its initial phases. Rest assured, we’ll keep you updated and let you know as soon as one is released.
