Prepare to be haunted by the chilling return of The Grabber in Black Phone 2, as revealed in a stunning new poster illustrated by Matt Ferguson. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this sequel just another horror flick, or does it redefine the genre entirely? Let’s dive in.
Ethan Hawke reprises his bone-chilling role as The Grabber, set to terrorize audiences once again when the film hits theaters on October 17, courtesy of Blumhouse and Universal. And this is the part most people miss: The story doesn’t just pick up where the first film left off—it evolves into something darker, more complex, and arguably more terrifying.
In this installment, Finn, now 17, grapples with the psychological scars of his past captivity. Meanwhile, his fearless 15-year-old sister, Gwen, starts receiving eerie calls in her dreams from the infamous black phone. These aren’t just random nightmares—she’s also plagued by visions of three boys being hunted at a winter camp called Alpine Lake. Here’s the twist: Gwen’s visions aren’t just warnings; they’re clues to a horrifying connection between The Grabber and her own family’s history.
Driven to protect her brother and herself, Gwen convinces Finn to brave a winter storm and visit the camp. What they uncover there is nothing short of devastating—a revelation that ties their family’s past to the killer’s sinister legacy. Together, they must face a foe who has become even more formidable in death, and whose significance to their lives is far greater than they ever imagined.
Scott Derrickson returns to direct, teaming up once again with co-writer C. Robert Cargill to craft a script based on characters created by Joe Hill. But here’s the bold claim: This isn’t just a sequel; it’s a subgenre shift, according to Meagan Navarro in her Bloody Disgusting review. She praises the film for its ‘strong vision and unique interpretation of horror classics,’ declaring it a step above its predecessor in nearly every way.
Returning cast members include Madeleine McGraw, Mason Thames, Miguel Mora, and Jeremy Davies, who reprise their roles from the first film. Joining the fray are Demián Bichir (The Nun), Arianna Rivas (A Working Man), Maev Beaty (Beau is Afraid), and Graham Abbey (Under the Banner of Heaven), adding fresh talent to this chilling sequel.
Controversial question for you: Does Black Phone 2 truly surpass the original, or is it a risky departure from what made the first film so effective? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
