The Black Phone 2: From Middle School to High School Chaos!

Scott Derrickson has given an unexpected twist to the direction of “The Black Phone 2“, referring to it as a “high school coming-of-age horror movie.” In an interview with Screen Rant at the Sundance Film Festival, the director shared details about the recently finished production, highlighting that the sequel wasn’t a given even after the success of the first film. This revelation provides fresh insights into the mystery surrounding the horror sequel, which has been in production since November 2024. Unlike the original “The Black Phone” that centered around middle school protagonist Finney (Mason Thames) battling a sadistic killer called the Grabber (Ethan Hawke), this new direction indicates a substantial shift in tone for the franchise, potentially altering anticipation for the eagerly awaited sequel.

Derrickson shared with Screen Rant that he wasn’t automatically expected to create a sequel for the movie, and indeed, he didn’t feel compelled to do so. His comments provide insight into the development timeline of the project, as his work on another film, The Gorge, affected his decision to revisit the universe of The Black Phone. He pointed out that if he had made a big movie after The Black Phone and then waited to shoot another film, the original child actors would have grown up and been in high school by then. This practical concern seems to have inspired a creative approach for the sequel, where instead of fighting against it, they decided to focus on high school students for The Black Phone 2.

The upcoming production boasts a powerful lineup of actors, including Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, and Miguel Mora who are reprising their roles from the original. Moreover, Demián Bichir, recognized for his work in horror movies like “The Nun” and “Let the Right One In”, has been added to the team, fueling excitement about the sequel. The addition of Bichir, known for his Oscar-nominated performance in “A Better Life”, indicates that the sequel intends to preserve the original’s blend of dramatic depth and horror. Despite the secrecy surrounding the plot, the suggested time jump hinted by Derrickson allows the sequel to move into uncharted territory seamlessly.

How The Black Phone 2 Evolves the Original’s Coming-of-Age Horror

Moving the setting to a high school for The Black Phone 2 opens up opportunities to delve deeper into intricate themes while staying true to its foundation. The initial film, inspired by Joe Hill’s short story, amassed over $160 million at the box office due to its skillful combination of coming-of-age drama and horror. This transition indicates that the sequel will carry on this fusion, focusing on the characters’ growth, potentially exploring the specific fears and struggles faced by teenagers in high school.

The evolution of the series presents fascinating queries concerning how supernatural aspects might unfold within a high school environment. In the initial movie, Finney received eerie calls from past victims of the Grabber through an enigmatic black phone, while his sister Gwen (McGraw) was plagued with prophetic dreams. Given that Hawke is set to reappear, despite seemingly meeting his demise in the original storyline, a school setting could offer fresh chances to delve into these otherworldly links. Moreover, Joe Hill’s contribution to the sequel’s narrative development, even though it isn’t based on published work, indicates that the film will preserve the psychological complexity that distinguished the original from contemporary horror productions.

The Black Phone 2 arrives in theaters on October 17, 2025.

2025-02-03 13:09

How The Black Phone 2 Evolves the Original’s Coming-of-Age Horror

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