Ethan Hawke is back, and horror fans can’t stop buzzing about his chilling return as The Grabber in The Black Phone 2. The trailer dropped on June 1, 2025, at CCXP in Mexico City, sending shockwaves through the internet. Directed by Scott Derrickson, this sequel promises to be darker, bloodier, and more intense than its predecessor, which grossed over $160 million worldwide. Hawke’s eerie performance as the sadistic killer stole the show in 2022, and now he’s set to terrify audiences again in a story that pushes the boundaries of supernatural horror. Let’s dive into what makes Ethan Hawke’s return so thrilling and why this film is shaping up to be a must-see.
Ethan Hawke’s Haunting Comeback
How do you bring back a character who died in the first film? That’s the question fans have been asking since Ethan Hawke’s return as The Grabber was confirmed. The original Black Phone ended with Finney, played by Mason Thames, outsmarting the killer. Yet, the new trailer teases a supernatural twist, with Hawke’s chilling voice saying, “You of all people should know that dead is just a word.” This Freddy Krueger-like resurrection has sparked wild theories. Is The Grabber a ghost? A demonic entity? Or something entirely new? Hawke’s ability to embody pure menace ensures this mystery will keep audiences on edge. His past collaborations with Derrickson, like Sinister, prove he’s a master at making villains unforgettable.
A Bolder, Bloodier Vision
Director Scott Derrickson isn’t holding back. He’s described The Black Phone 2 as “more violent, scarier, more graphic,” aiming to elevate the horror while staying true to the story’s emotional core. Ethan Hawke’s performance is central to this vision. The trailer showcases a barrage of terrifying images, from shadowy figures to blood-soaked scenes, with Hawke’s masked Grabber at the heart of it all. The film draws inspiration from Derrickson’s high school years at winter camps in the Rocky Mountains, adding a fresh layer of personal dread. Hawke’s ability to blend psychological terror with raw intensity makes him the perfect fit for this darker chapter.
Why Ethan Hawke Owns the Role
Ethan Hawke brings a unique edge to The Grabber. His four-time Oscar-nominated career spans drama, sci-fi, and now horror, but it’s his work in genre films that’s earning him a cult following. In the first film, he crafted a villain who was both charismatic and horrifying, using subtle gestures and a creepy mask to unsettle viewers. The sequel promises to dig deeper into The Grabber’s psyche, with Hawke reportedly pushing for a performance that’s even more unhinged. Fans on social media are already praising his return, with posts calling him “the ultimate boogeyman.” His chemistry with co-star Mason Thames, who returns as Finney, sets up a gripping showdown.
| Key Cast Returning for The Black Phone 2 |
|---|
| Actor |
| Ethan Hawke |
| Mason Thames |
| Madeleine McGraw |
| Jeremy Davies |
| Miguel Mora |
What to Expect This October
The anticipation for The Black Phone 2 is sky-high, with Universal and Blumhouse banking on another box office hit. Set for release on October 17, 2025, the film aligns perfectly with Halloween season. New cast members, like Demián Bichir and Anna Lore, join the returning ensemble, but all eyes are on Ethan Hawke. The trailer hints at a story that blends coming-of-age themes with supernatural horror, set against a chilling 1970s backdrop. Derrickson’s decision to helm the sequel, despite initially hesitating, stems from a killer idea pitched by Joe Hill, the original story’s author. Hawke’s involvement was non-negotiable, and his performance is poised to be the film’s dark heart.
A Horror Icon in the Making
Ethan Hawke’s journey into horror has turned him into an unexpected genre icon. From Sinister to The Black Phone, he’s proven he can terrify with the best of them. His return in The Black Phone 2 isn’t just a paycheck gig—it’s a chance to redefine The Grabber as a horror legend. The trailer’s eerie phone call between Hawke and Thames has fans speculating about new supernatural twists. Will The Grabber haunt Finney through the phone again? Or is there a new game afoot? Whatever the case, Hawke’s chilling presence ensures this sequel will leave audiences rattled.
Don’t miss The Black Phone 2 when it hits theaters on October 17, 2025. Grab your tickets early, and let us know in the comments what you think of Ethan Hawke’s return as The Grabber!