Stephen King praises Black Phone as Blumhouse’s upcoming sequel receives high acclaim from the iconic horror writer. Based on Joe Hill’s 2004 short story, the original film inspired the sequel, with Hill involved behind the scenes and sharing insights with his father, Stephen King.
The original supernatural thriller, released in 2021, centers on 13-year-old Finney Shaw (Mason Thames), who is kidnapped and trapped in a soundproof basement by a masked assailant known as The Grabber (Ethan Hawke). A disconnected phone begins to ring, allowing Finney to communicate with The Grabber’s previous victims to find a way to escape.
Black Phone 2 brings back the original cast and director Scott Derrickson. The story shifts focus to Finney’s sister, Gwen Blake (Madeleine McGraw), who, at 13, starts receiving eerie phone calls and experiences unsettling visions of three boys being hunted by The Grabber at a winter camp.
Sharing his enthusiasm on X, Stephen King said:
“It’s not as good as the first one. IT’S BETTER.” – Stephen King
Impact of Stephen King’s Endorsement on Black Phone 2
Stephen King’s endorsement is significant for fans and skeptics alike anticipating the sequel. Horror follow-ups often struggle to match or surpass their predecessors’ success, but praise from a genre luminary like King elevates expectations. The original Black Phone earned over $161 million globally and maintained an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, achievements that fueled the decision to continue the story.
Despite not originally planning a sequel, the original’s strong performance created momentum. Early screenings of the second film have largely received favorable feedback, amplified by Stephen King’s positive remarks, which lend credibility and excitement to the new installment.
Evaluating Black Phone 2’s Potential
Crafting successful horror sequels is challenging but feasible, as seen with franchises like A Quiet Place Part II, Evil Dead II, and The Conjuring 2. Black Phone 2 faces unique challenges, since the first movie and its basis stem from the same short story, leaving little original material for follow-up plotlines.
Joe Hill’s continued involvement in writing offers assurance that the narrative will remain authentic and compelling. The sequel’s plot centers on a now 17-year-old Finney grappling with the aftermath of his trauma while his sister Gwen confronts terrifying supernatural experiences related to Alpine Lake, a winter camp where sinister events unfold.
Fans and horror enthusiasts can look forward to an intense continuation that blurs the line between the real and the horrific, promising a story that builds on the strengths of the first film.
Returning Cast and Characters in the Sequel
The sequel features Ethan Hawke reprising his role as The Grabber, the masked antagonist responsible for the kidnappings. Mason Thames returns as Finney Blake, who must now come to terms with his past captivity as a teenager. Madeleine McGraw portrays Gwen Blake, whose disturbing visions drive much of the new story’s suspense. Additionally, Demián Bichir appears as the supervisor of Alpine Lake, linking the winter camp setting to the unfolding mystery.
Together, the cast supports a plot that intensifies the psychological and supernatural elements introduced in the original, deepening the story’s chilling impact.
It’s not as good as the first one.
IT’S BETTER. pic.twitter.com/bEzI6BLeZ9— Stephen King (@StephenKing) September 22, 2025
