Strong Start at the Box Office
Horror is once again ruling the big screen as The Black Phone 2 makes an impressive debut. The much-awaited sequel to Scott Derrickson’s 2022 hit opened strong, pulling audiences into theaters and proving that the genre’s power is far from fading.
Released on October 17, 2025, the film opened across more than 3,400 theaters in North America and earned around $26.5 million in its first weekend. Internationally, it added another $15.5 million, bringing its global total to $42 million. With a production budget of only $30 million, the movie has already covered its costs within its opening frame.
A Chilling Return by Director Scott Derrickson
Director Scott Derrickson returns to the world he built in the first film, bringing back the haunting tone and atmosphere that made The Black Phone a modern classic.
The sequel stars Ethan Hawke reprising his terrifying role as The Grabber, joined once again by Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw as Finney and Gwen Blake. This time, the story expands beyond the basement walls of the original, exploring a colder, more supernatural landscape that deepens the mystery behind the infamous black phone.
Critical and Audience Reactions
Early reviews have praised the film’s strong performances, chilling visuals, and emotional depth. Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw’s chemistry as siblings has been singled out for adding a touching layer of humanity to the otherwise dark story.
Critics noted that while The Black Phone 2 doesn’t fully recapture the stripped-down terror of the first movie, it succeeds in building a more ambitious and emotional sequel. Ethan Hawke’s eerie return has also drawn rave reactions — his quiet menace continues to anchor the series’ fear factor.
A Big Win for Blumhouse and Universal
For Blumhouse Productions and Universal Pictures, the film’s box office performance marks another victory in their long line of horror successes. With Halloween approaching, industry experts predict that The Black Phone 2 will continue to perform strongly in the coming weeks.
If current trends hold, the movie is projected to cross the $100 million mark globally, ensuring another hit for the studio. This success reinforces Blumhouse’s reputation for creating profitable, high-quality horror films on moderate budgets.
Comparing with the Original
The first Black Phone in 2022 grossed over $160 million worldwide on a $16 million budget. While the sequel’s opening numbers are slightly lower, they remain impressive given today’s competitive box office climate.
Fans have also embraced the sequel’s larger scale and new setting. The film’s haunting snow-covered backdrop and eerie sound design have given it a distinct identity, setting it apart from the original’s claustrophobic tone.
Horror’s Strong Year Continues
The success of The Black Phone 2 adds to what’s already a great year for horror movies. Recent titles like Smile 2 and Longlegs have proven that the genre remains one of the most reliable at the box office.
Horror films often thrive on smaller budgets and strong audience engagement, and The Black Phone 2 fits perfectly into that pattern — turning modest costs into massive returns while drawing viewers back to theaters.
Possibility of a Third Installment
With the sequel’s strong start and growing fan demand, talk of The Black Phone 3 has already begun. Director Scott Derrickson has hinted in interviews that he has ideas for another installment if audiences keep responding.
Given the success of this latest entry, it seems likely that the phone will ring again in the near future.
Final Numbers and Outlook
Opening Weekend Totals:
- Domestic (U.S.): $26.5 million
- International: $15.5 million
- Worldwide: $42 million
- Production Budget: $30 million
With these numbers, The Black Phone 2 has already proven itself a commercial hit. Its mix of fear, emotion, and atmosphere has struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
The Black Phone 2 is more than just a sequel — it’s proof that smartly crafted horror films still have the power to dominate the box office. Combining terrifying performances, emotional storytelling, and stunning visuals, it continues the legacy of the first film while carving its own chilling path.
As Halloween approaches, the phone isn’t going silent any time soon — and for horror fans, that’s the best kind of call to answer.
