In 2018, the Woolsey Fire devastated Los Angeles, destroying over 12,000 buildings, including the home of Scott Derrickson, who wrote, directed, and produced The Black Phone. Though he lost all his possessions, Derrickson was fortunate to have good fire insurance, which eased the financial burden of the disaster. He expressed sympathy for those less fortunate, acknowledging the devastating and life-changing impact such a loss can have. After staying in a hotel and then a rental property owned by actor Kevin Sorbo, Derrickson and his family finally moved into a new permanent residence.
Jason Blum’s Unsettling Basement Phone Prank on Scott Derrickson
Shortly after moving into the new house, Derrickson discovered an eerie surprise left by Jason Blum, the producer of The Black Phone and head of Blumhouse Productions. Derrickson recalled in an interview with ScreenRant that on his first night, a mysterious black phone began ringing in the basement. Armed with a flashlight, he nervously went downstairs to find the phone installed there. Blum had arranged for someone to secretly place the phone, which was rigged to dial Blum’s cell number directly whenever picked up.
The director said,
“My first night in the house, there was a phone that rang in the basement. I terrifyingly walked downstairs, and I opened the basement with a flashlight, and the black phone had been installed in the basement,”
and added,
“Jason Blum managed to get somebody into my home and installed a black phone in the basement. When I answered, it was him. And he also had a program so that if I ever pick it up, it just direct dials his cell phone number. That was really wonderful. And it’s still there. I’ll never get rid of it.”
He also shared the unsettling experience of the phone ringing unaccompanied by a caller, saying,
“I always pick it up if it rings. It’s rung a couple of times, but every time it’s rung, there’s never been anyone there. Which is creepy.”
The Story Behind The Black Phone and Its Upcoming Sequel
The Black Phone is inspired by Joe Hill’s short story of the same name. The film centers on Finney Blake, played by Mason Thames, a boy abducted and held captive by a sadistic kidnapper known as the Grabber, portrayed by Ethan Hawke. Trapped in a basement, Finney’s only hope to escape comes from an old black phone that allows him to communicate with the Grabber’s previous victims.
The film gained considerable attention and has led to the production of a sequel, which was approved in November 2023. The follow-up movie is slated for release in theaters on Friday, October 17, with the principal cast members returning. As of now, tickets for the sequel have not been made available for purchase.
The Black Phone is currently streaming on Peacock and can be purchased from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
What the Prank Reveals About Jason Blum’s Relationship with Derrickson
Jason Blum’s prank highlights the close and playful working relationship between producer and director even amid the serious themes of the film. Having the black phone physically installed in Derrickson’s basement not only echoes the movie’s eerie mood but also adds a real-life layer of suspense and fun. This interaction exemplifies how Blumhouse embraces unique promotional tactics that reflect their films’ subject matter.
With a sequel on the horizon, the film’s success and cult following are expected to grow, making the black phone prank an enduring story among fans and industry watchers. The prank itself stands as a memorable example of the blend of horror and humor that often surrounds Blum’s productions and Derrickson’s direction.
