The iconic Ethan Hawke Black Phone villain could potentially return for a third installment, according to recent comments from director Scott Derrickson, raising anticipation among horror fans after the surprise revival of the character in Black Phone 2. The continued intrigue around Derrickson’s direction, the return of its memorable cast, and the unforeseen twists have firmly established the Black Phone franchise as a modern horror mainstay for audiences worldwide.
Black Phone’s Unlikely Sequel and the Grabber’s Resurrection
With the debut of The Black Phone, Scott Derrickson reinforced his reputation for crafting chilling, supernatural horror. The movie follows Finn, a young boy seeking escape from a ruthless serial killer, known as the Grabber—played by Ethan Hawke—with the spectral aid of previous victims. Fans of intense, emotionally charged thrillers were both stunned and satisfied by the Grabber’s fate in the original: the villain perished spectacularly at the hands of Finn, seemingly ending any possibility of his return.
However, suspense and curiosity gave way to excitement when Black Phone 2 was officially announced, confirming nearly the entire main cast would return, including Ethan Hawke. Questions abounded on how the notorious killer could feature again after his demise, until the sequel premiered and drew audiences back into its shadowy world. Black Phone 2, picking up years after its predecessor, reveals Finn and his now high school-aged, psychic sister Gwen (portrayed by Madeleine McGraw), as they are drawn to a mysterious Christian youth camp during the harsh winter months—a setting that, in true genre tradition, conceals sinister hidden dangers.
The closing moments of Black Phone 2 give what appears to be a decisive conclusion to the arcs of Finn, Gwen, and the Grabber, echoing the finality of the first film. Yet, Derrickson and his team left fans speculating whether further chapters could emerge. The release of Black Phone 2 on VOD prompted a fresh conversation with Derrickson about the franchise’s future. Addressing expectations, he commented:
“There certainly can be more. But again, there doesn’t have to be. If there is to be more, there has to be a reason for it. I enjoy franchises. I think I’ve seen every Halloween movie, and that’s a lot. I saw every Elm Street movie. So, part of it is the delight of going back to characters or to iconic villains that you’re interested in seeing again. But for me, I’m interested in seeing more audaciously fresh takes that are surprising. I think that the response to this movie, the majority of the audience loved it because it was so different. Now, some people took issue with it or didn’t like it because it was so different, and that’s okay. I understand if you wanted to see something closer to the first film. That’s fine, but that doesn’t interest me. So, if there’s going to be a Black Phone 3, it would have to be another big pivot. Otherwise, I don’t see the point of making it.”
– Scott Derrickson, Director
The Prospect of Black Phone 3
Currently, there are no concrete plans underway for Black Phone 3, yet Derrickson’s openness signals that the franchise could continue if a compelling idea emerges. The sequel’s transformation, both in tone and ambition, strongly indicates that any future film will take another bold leap, reminiscent of how Black Phone 2 drew inspiration from nightmare-fueled classics like Nightmare on Elm Street and spun its own supernatural vision. The series’ adaptability and the willingness of its creators to redefine expectations could see the Grabber resurface in yet another unpredictable narrative twist.
A Visual and Sonic Homage to Early Horror Influences
In discussions of his creative approach, Scott Derrickson explained how his return to stylistic horror roots is evident in Black Phone 2, particularly in its use of dream-like sequences and the signature Super 8 visual style that marked his work in Sinister. The decision to utilize these techniques was driven by the need to clearly delineate Gwen’s dream experiences from reality, without falling into genre clichés:
“Are they asleep or are they not asleep? Is it real? Is it a dream?”
– Scott Derrickson, Director
He recounted the difficulty, during scriptwriting, of ensuring the audience could effortlessly distinguish between waking and dream states. To achieve that clarity, Derrickson combined vintage Super 8 footage exclusively for dreams, adding unique sonic cues such as analog static reminiscent of classic film projectors. These creative decisions reinforce the film’s haunting, nostalgic atmosphere while serving the narrative need to mark dreamlike episodes.
The selection of film stocks for each dream sequence was deliberate, each chosen for their specific responses to color and light, further enhancing the eerie, period authenticity. Derrickson’s meticulous stylistic choices invite viewers into a disorienting world where the line between reality and nightmare is visually and aurally marked, building suspense throughout the sequel’s story arc.
Ethan Hawke’s Commanding Portrayal of the Grabber
The casting of Ethan Hawke as the Grabber is widely credited for solidifying the character as a contemporary horror icon. Audiences flocked to theaters and now proudly wear merchandise bearing his image, a testament to the villain’s enduring impact. Derrickson described how Hawke was not originally envisioned for the role, but his casting proved transformative:
“I’ve got to get an actor who’s good, but I’ve got to get an actor with a distinctive voice and a memorable voice and a powerful voice.”
– Scott Derrickson, Director
Derrickson revealed that Hawke’s unmistakable voice and previous collaboration in Sinister made him an ideal choice. The director’s vision expanded once Hawke accepted: the now-iconic split mask was designed to capitalize on Hawke’s talent and theatrical preferences, allowing him to explore the character’s hidden depths. Experiencing the real masks on set led Hawke to new heights of performance, as he embraced the mask’s theatrical challenge with enthusiasm.
The innovation extended to how the mask functions in the sequel, shifting and evolving within scenes—an idea that thrilled both the audience and the actor. Derrickson’s creative choices regarding the mask were aimed at more than just aesthetics; they were about amplifying the Grabber’s unsettling power over his young victims. The mask became both a literal and figurative barrier, fostering fear. Drawing inspiration from artistic influences, Derrickson cited a relevant line from Bob Dylan:
“If somebody wears a mask, they’re going to tell you the truth.”
– Bob Dylan, as noted by Scott Derrickson
This insight fueled the notion that the Grabber is most authentically himself while masked, with his fear-mongering performed through his chilling verbosity. The act of donning and losing the mask, especially in climactic moments, is integral to the villain’s disturbing identity.
Creative Inspirations Drawn From Genre Classics and Personal Experience
Black Phone 2’s story consciously echoes the heyday of 1980s horror movies, including the likes of Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th, as the setting at a snow-covered camp intentionally pays homage to the era’s well-known motifs. Derrickson noted that his own youth influenced these creative decisions, as he attended both summer and winter camps in Colorado and had never encountered a movie devoted to the unique setting of a winter camp. By bringing this real-life experience to the film, Derrickson infused the sequel with both authenticity and originality.
No other films directly influenced the sequel at its outset; rather, Derrickson began by reimagining his own camp memories within the horror context, only later realizing that the movie was treading on legacy territory from early 1980s genre greats. This realization, he said, invigorated his writing style and visual approach, leading to memorable, inventive sequences—such as the Grabber’s ominous, ice skate-like feet—paying homage to more obscure cult horror references, like the film Curtains.
Further, the choice to set the story in a religious youth camp draws directly from Derrickson’s own past. He remembered the camps as being equal parts inspirational and unsettling, highlighting their blend of supportive figures and morally rigid authority figures. Characters like Mando represent the genuinely compassionate counselors, while others, such as Ken and Barb, epitomize the rigid, dogmatic adults that populated these worlds. These authentic reflections on spiritual and institutional life deepen the story’s context and thematic resonance, particularly when contrasted with Gwen’s personal spirituality and autonomy.
Gwen’s Evolution Into a Central Protagonist
Set apart from most horror sequels, Black Phone 2 makes Gwen a fully realized co-lead, sharing equal narrative importance with Finn. In the original, Gwen largely played a supporting yet vital role, spending most of her time struggling to rescue her brother rather than pursuing her own development. Derrickson explained that shifting Gwen to an active position of peril and empowerment was pivotal:
The franchise’s heart lies in the bond between Gwen and Finn—two survivors sacrificed to and shaped by violence. Black Phone 2 explores their evolving relationship, flipping the dynamic from the first movie. Where Gwen once fought to save Finn, the sequel casts her into the role of endangered protagonist, with Finn risking everything to protect her. This emotional inversion, paired with an older cast and more mature themes, brings new depth to the story’s psychological stakes.
Derrickson developed this structure in part out of affection for Gwen’s character, noting that both audiences and creators felt invested in her future. Portraying her as a teenager, wrestling with more violent and harrowing situations, justified the creative move to continue the franchise. Raising the stakes and shifting perspectives are among the chief ways the Black Phone series continues to keep audiences engrossed.
Reflections on Violence, Masks, and Psychological Horror
The ongoing appeal of the Grabber as a villain stems in large part from the combination of Hawke’s performance, Derrickson’s creative risk-taking, and the careful development of psychological themes. Derrickson repeatedly emphasizes that horror, at its best, evolves through both character complexity and thematic innovation: villains like the Grabber endure not only through violence but also through their mysterious motivations and masked identities.
Throughout both films, the interplay between mask and persona serves as a metaphor for hidden pain and fragmented identity—an approach embraced by Ethan Hawke’s thespian sensibilities. Derrickson’s innovations, like splitting the mask and incorporating theatrical traditions, brought freshness to the genre, while keeping the audience in suspense over whether true evil ever really dies, or merely finds new forms. The profound disquiet of these masked identities is heightened by strategic artistic choices such as the use of surreal dream sequences and unnerving soundscapes.
The manipulation of expectations—undercutting familiar tropes while delivering innovative scares—has allowed the Black Phone films to achieve a rare critical and commercial success. The series’ willingness to “pivot,” as Derrickson stated, and take bold risks marks it as a standout in the crowded field of horror franchises.
The Cast and the Next Generation of Horror Icons
The continuation and potential expansion of the Black Phone universe relies on its skilled cast. In Black Phone 2, Mason Thames reprises the role of Finn, now facing life as a survivor in his late teens. Ethan Hawke’s return as the Grabber cements the killer’s reputation as an unforgettable antagonist, while Madeleine McGraw’s performance as Gwen brings complexity and courage to the sequel. The supporting ensemble contributes depth to the story’s exploration of trauma and resilience within a supernatural context.
The journey undertaken by Finn and Gwen is marked by oneiric visions, with Gwen tormented by calls from the black phone that reveal the spectral pursuit of new victims at the winter camp, Alpine Lake. These haunted episodes test both siblings’ boundaries, pushing them to confront their fears and each other in ways that blend psychological horror with supernatural stakes.
The Franchise’s Enduring Impact and Path Forward
Black Phone 2 is now available for digital viewing, making the latest chapter accessible to a global audience. As speculation grows over whether a third film will be realized, Scott Derrickson has made clear that any return must offer something genuinely fresh and justified—maintaining the franchise’s integrity and creative daring.
The potential return of Ethan Hawke Black Phone villain carries enormous weight among fans eager for more chilling stories. For now, the series’ legacy continues to expand, blending rich character arcs, innovative horror elements, and memorable performances into a modern saga of fear and survival. Whether or not a final confrontation awaits the Grabber, Finn, or Gwen, the doors remain open for future nightmares to unfold, ensuring the story remains as unsettling and unpredictable as ever.
