Scott Derrickson Reveals Creative Spark Behind "The Black...

Director Scott Derrickson has shed light on the unexpected genesis of "The Black Phone 2," revealing that a compelling idea for a "Grabber revelation" midway through the film was the catalyst for its creation. The sequel, which premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 20, 2025, and was released in the United States on October 17, 2025, was not initially planned by Derrickson.

Derrickson, who co-wrote the script with C. Robert Cargill, admitted he felt no obligation to make a sequel to the highly successful 2022 horror film. However, a "wonderful idea" for the sequel, pitched by original author Joe Hill, proved irresistible and changed his perspective.

The pivotal concept involved the Grabber, the terrifying serial killer portrayed by Ethan Hawke, making a return from beyond the grave. This twist allows the villain to torment protagonists Finney and Gwen Blake in new, supernatural ways.

The Hollywood Reporter published details of Derrickson's explanation on October 17, 2025, coinciding with the film's wide release. This revelation highlights the creative process behind extending a story that many considered concluded with the first film.

"The Black Phone 2" picks up four years after the original, with Finney (Mason Thames) and Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) now teenagers grappling with the trauma of their past. The sequel shifts the setting to a winter camp, introducing a fresh, isolating environment.

This creative decision allowed Derrickson to evolve the narrative from a middle school coming-of-age story into a high school horror film, exploring the long-term psychological impact on the characters. The film has received positive reviews from critics.

Original Film's Success and Initial Hesitation: The first "Black Phone" (2022), based on Joe Hill's short story, was a significant box office success, grossing $161.4 million globally against a $16-18 million budget. Despite its popularity, director Scott Derrickson initially expressed no intention of making a sequel, believing the story of Finney's escape and the Grabber's death was complete.
Joe Hill's Pivotal Idea: The turning point for Derrickson and co-writer C. Robert Cargill came from Joe Hill, the author of the original short story. Hill pitched a "wonderful idea" that reimagined the Grabber's return: "A phone rings, Finney answers, and it's The Grabber calling from hell." This concept provided the supernatural hook needed to justify a continuation of the story.
Evolution of The Grabber: In "The Black Phone 2," Ethan Hawke's character, The Grabber, transcends death and becomes a supernatural entity, drawing comparisons to iconic horror villains like Freddy Krueger. He can now communicate through disconnected phones and manifest in Gwen's dreams, seeking revenge on Finney and tormenting his sister.
Shift in Setting and Tone: The sequel moves the action from the suburban streets of North Denver to a snow-bound winter camp at Alpine Lake, four years after the original events. This change allows for a darker, more visceral high school horror experience, drawing inspiration from Derrickson's own teenage experiences at winter camps and classic camp-killer movies.
Deepening Character Trauma and Mythology: "Black Phone 2" delves into the lasting trauma experienced by Finney (Mason Thames) and Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) as they navigate their teenage years. The film also expands the mythology of the universe, revealing a shattering connection between The Grabber and the Blake family's history, including the revelation that The Grabber was responsible for their mother's death.
Creative Collaboration and Influences: The screenplay for "Black Phone 2" was a collaborative effort between Derrickson, Cargill, and Joe Hill, with Hill providing crucial feedback. Derrickson cited influences from Italian horror (giallo films like *Suspiria*), Dante's *Inferno* (for the cold, icy depiction of hell), and the *Nightmare on Elm Street* franchise for the supernatural dream elements.
Box Office Performance and Critical Reception: "Black Phone 2" opened on October 17, 2025, with strong preview numbers, making $2.625 million and projected to open between $20-30 million domestically. Critics have generally given positive reviews, praising its evolution into a more mature and terrifying horror experience, with some calling it a standout sequel.