Stephen King recently expressed high praise for the upcoming film Stephen King Black Phone 2 following its premiere at Fantastic Fest. His comments surfaced on September 22, 2025, just weeks before the sequel’s scheduled theatrical debut on October 17, 2025. King’s endorsement has sparked significant anticipation for this continuation of The Black Phone story.
Author’s Reaction Revealed on Social Media
On his official X (formerly Twitter) account, King posted a concise but emphatic message about the new film:
“It’s not as good as the first one. IT’S BETTER.”
Stephen King (@StephenKing)
This tweet accompanied promotional art featuring a snow-covered demonic mask along with Ethan Hawke’s name and the tagline Dead is just a word. The strong statement generated immediate buzz, emphasizing the film’s quality as perceived by the legendary horror author.
Details on Cast and Storyline
The sequel brings back Ethan Hawke as The Grabber, as well as Mason Thames as Finn and Madeleine McGraw as Gwen. Returning cast members include Jeremy Davies and Miguel Mora, while newcomers Demián Bichir, Arianna Rivas, Maev Beaty, and Graham Abbey join the ensemble. The story picks up four years after Finn’s escape from his captor, centering on Gwen’s unsettling visions and Finn’s struggle to confront his trauma.
Creative Team and Production Information
Scott Derrickson returned as director and co-writer alongside C. Robert Cargill, adapting characters created by Joe Hill, who originally wrote The Black Phone story. Producers Jason Blum, Derrickson, and Cargill lead the project, supported by executive producers Joe Hill, Adam Hendricks, and Ryan Turek. Universal Pictures has set the release date firmly in the fall of 2025.
Plot Focus and Setting
The narrative unfolds during a winter storm in Alpine Lake, where Gwen begins receiving calls in her dreams from the mysterious black phone. These eerie messages prompt her and Finn to investigate, confronting a more menacing version of The Grabber. His renewed presence is closely tied to the family’s dark history, providing a deeper psychological tension than before.
Impact and Anticipation Surrounding the Sequel
Stephen King Black Phone 2 arrives with heightened expectations, partly due to King’s public endorsement and the reputation of its creative team. The return of familiar characters alongside a chilling new threat aims to build on the success of the original film and strengthen the franchise’s standing in the horror genre. Audiences are poised to experience a more intense and complex story when it reaches theaters in October 2025.
It’s not as good as the first one.
IT’S BETTER. pic.twitter.com/bEzI6BLeZ9— Stephen King (@StephenKing) September 22, 2025
