Get ready to have your nerves shredded all over again – Black Phone 2 has finally arrived on digital platforms, and we’ve got something special to celebrate: an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip that pulls back the curtain on this chilling sequel. But here’s where it gets controversial – while the first film felt like a self-contained masterpiece, its jaw-dropping success at the box office (over $160 million on a $16 million budget) practically demanded a follow-up. Now, with the sequel crossing the $100 million mark globally, the question lingers: can lightning strike twice? And this is the part most people miss – the original story by Joe Hill, The Black Phone, was a short tale, leaving many to wonder how the filmmakers could expand this world without losing its edge. Well, wonder no more – the creative team behind the first film, including director Scott Derrickson and co-writer C. Robert Cargill, are back to tackle that very challenge.
For those who missed the first installment, The Black Phone introduced us to Finney Shaw, a 13-year-old boy with a sharp mind and a quiet demeanor, who finds himself trapped in a soundproof basement by a sadistic killer. His only hope? A disconnected phone that connects him to the voices of the killer’s past victims. It’s a premise that’s both terrifying and ingeniously original, and if you’re curious about the source material, Joe Hill’s short story can be found in his collection 20th Century Ghosts – a must-read for horror enthusiasts.
Fast forward to Black Phone 2, and the stakes are higher than ever. Ethan Hawke reprises his role as The Grabber, a character so sinister it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing him. But here’s the twist: this time, The Grabber is seeking vengeance from beyond the grave, targeting Finney’s younger sister, Gwen. As Finney, now 17, struggles to move past his traumatic captivity, Gwen, a headstrong 15-year-old, begins receiving eerie calls from the black phone in her dreams. These aren’t just random nightmares – they’re visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp called Alpine Lake. Determined to protect her brother and herself, Gwen convinces Finney to investigate, leading them to uncover a chilling connection between The Grabber and their own family history.
The sequel brings back fan-favorite actors like Mason Thames as Finney, Madeleine McGraw as Gwen, and Jeremy Davies as their father, Terrence. Miguel Mora, who played Robin in the first film, returns in a new role as Ernesto, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative. Newcomers like Demián Bichir, Arianna Rivas, and Anna Lore join the cast, promising fresh dynamics and surprises.
But let’s talk about the elephant in the room – can Black Phone 2 live up to the original? JoBlo’s own Ryan Cultrera gave it a solid 7/10, noting that while it might not feel as fresh, it’s still a worthy addition to the franchise. And with bonus features like deleted scenes, a deep dive into the cast’s creative process, and a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s jaw-dropping stunts and prosthetics, there’s plenty for fans to sink their teeth into.
Now, here’s where we want to hear from you: Do you think Black Phone 2 can recapture the magic of the first film, or is it destined to fall into the sequel trap? Watch our exclusive clip, then sound off in the comments below. And if you’re still on the fence about watching, ask yourself this: how often do you get to see a horror sequel that dares to explore family trauma, supernatural vengeance, and edge-of-your-seat thrills all at once? Exactly. Don’t miss out – Black Phone 2 is calling your name.
