Imagine surviving a terrifying ordeal at the hands of a monstrous killer, only to have that nightmare haunt your dreams from beyond the grave—now, that's the chilling hook that draws you into the world of Black Phone 2, the unexpected sequel that's just hit digital platforms, and we've got an exclusive peek at the behind-the-scenes magic that brought it to life!
But here's where it gets intriguing: Back in 2021, Universal Pictures teamed up with Blumhouse Productions and visionary director Scott Derrickson to adapt Joe Hill's gripping short story into The Black Phone. This tale seemed to wrap up a self-contained horror experience, crafted on a modest $16 million budget that shockingly raked in over $160 million globally at the box office. Fast-forward to October 17th, and Black Phone 2 stormed theaters, amassing more than $100 million worldwide in just a few weeks—talk about a profitable fright fest! And now, to mark its digital debut, we're excited to share a never-before-seen clip from an exclusive behind-the-scenes featurette, embedded right above for your viewing pleasure.
For those new to the series, let's break it down simply: Scott Derrickson penned the script for the first film alongside co-writer C. Robert Cargill, and the duo has reunited for Black Phone 2, with Derrickson back in the director's chair. They’re also stepping up as producers this time, collaborating with Blumhouse heavyweights Jason Blum and Ryan Turek. The original story, penned by Joe Hill (Stephen King's son, for some extra context), revolves around Finney Shaw, a timid yet sharp-witted 13-year-old boy snatched by a brutal murderer known as The Grabber and confined in a soundproof basement where cries for help are futile. But then, an old, disconnected black phone starts ringing, allowing Finney to communicate with the spirits of the killer's past victims—who are fiercely committed to preventing his fate. If you're curious about the source material, you can dive into Joe Hill's short story in his anthology 20th Century Ghosts, available for purchase right here: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0061147982/arrowinthehea-20. And remember, this post is brought to you by sponsored content, keeping the scares coming your way.
And this is the part most people miss: The sequel brings back a stellar cast that feels like old friends, ensuring continuity while introducing fresh faces to heighten the terror. Mason Thames reprises his role as Finney Shaw from How to Train Your Dragon, now a resilient 17-year-old grappling with the aftermath of his abduction. Madeleine McGraw returns as Gwen, Finney's spirited sister from Secrets of Sulphur Springs, while Jeremy Davies plays their father, Terrence, drawing from his Justified background. Miguel Mora, who made his debut in the first film as the tragic Robin, shifts gears to portray Ernesto, a new character with deeper ties to the story. Ethan Hawke steps back into the menacing shoes of The Grabber, fresh off his Moon Knight success. Rounding out the lineup are newcomers Demián Bichir from The Hateful Eight, Arianna Rivas of A Working Man, and Anna Lore from Final Destination: Bloodlines, each adding layers of menace and mystery.
Here's the official plot teaser from Blumhouse, to give you a taste without spoilers: Ethan Hawke reprises his most sinister part yet as The Grabber, who pursues revenge on Finn (Mason Thames) from the afterlife, targeting Finn's younger sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw). As the now-17-year-old Finn wrestles with trauma, the bold 15-year-old Gwen experiences eerie phone calls in her dreams and visions of three boys hunted at a snowy retreat called Alpine Lake. Eager to unravel the puzzle and banish the dread for both siblings, Gwen convinces Finn to journey to the camp amid a blizzard, where she unearths a devastating link between The Grabber and their family's past. Together, they face off against a murderer who's even stronger in death—and more intimately connected to them than they ever dreamed.
To enhance your viewing experience, Black Phone 2 arrives digitally packed with bonus features that offer a deeper dive into the production, perfect for fans wanting to appreciate the craftsmanship behind the chills:
- DELETED SCENES: Including moments like Gwen and Ernesto chatting in the library, Mustang addressing the group, Mando discussing the camp's closure, Mustang and Gwen conversing in the chapel, Ernesto and Gwen sharing a kiss, Gwen in prayer, and Ken and Barb inviting Gwen and Finn back.
- DIALED IN: THE CAST OF BLACK PHONE 2 – A fascinating look at how the actors infused their roles with personal touches and creative choices, bringing diverse characters to vivid life.
- A STORY CARVED IN ICE – Explore the jaw-dropping stunts, intricate prosthetic makeup, and the sheer technical wizardry that crafted this pulse-pounding thriller.
- FROZEN IN TIME – Dive into how dreamy locations blend with spine-tingling horror in this exclusive peek at the film's eerie sets.
- FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR/CO-WRITER/PRODUCER SCOTT DERRICKSON – Hear directly from the mastermind behind the scares.
Now, for a dose of honest feedback: In his review, JoBlo's Ryan Cultrera noted that Black Phone 2 doesn't quite capture the novelty of its predecessor, awarding it a solid 7 out of 10. Still, he found it engaging enough to recommend—check out his full thoughts here: https://www.joblo.com/the-black-phone-2-review-not-as-fresh-as-the-original-but-still-good/. But here's where it gets controversial: Is a horror sequel that leans into supernatural revenge and family secrets as compelling when it trades the original's grounded terror for more ethereal elements? Some fans argue it dilutes the raw intensity, while others praise it as a bold evolution. What do you think—does expanding on familiar scares enhance the franchise, or does it risk losing what made the first film so gripping?
Will you be tuning in to Black Phone 2 now that it's streaming digitally? Watch our exclusive featurette clip above, then share your thoughts in the comments below—do you agree with the 7/10 rating, or is this sequel a hidden gem that deserves more hype? Let's discuss: Is Ethan Hawke's return as The Grabber even creepier this time, and could the story's ties to family history change how you view the original? Spill your opinions!
