Ethan Hawke discusses his return to 'The Black Phone 2'
The Black Phone, a 2021 horror thriller featuring Ethan Hawke in the chilling role of The Grabber, captivated audiences worldwide upon its release. This unexpected box office success from Universal Pictures reportedly grossed $162M globally. Set in the 1970s, the film masterfully blends supernatural horror and serial killer suspense, exploring themes of the influence of the deceased on the living and children's tenacity when faced with evil. Hawke has now expressed interest in reprising his role for a "potential sequel."
Hawke's acclaimed performance sparked sequel discussions
Hawke's portrayal of The Grabber garnered much acclaim, sparking discussions about a potential sequel. Despite the fate of his character in the first film, he has indicated his willingness to reprise his role if director Scott Derrickson requests it. In a conversation with Collider, Hawke stated, "If [Derrickson] wants me to be in Black Phone 2, I'm gonna do it."
Hawke praised Derrickson's 'way of thinking about film, storytelling'
Further, Hawke stated, "I have a good relationship, you know, like what Maya (daughter) said about directors—it's really true of Derrickson. I had a wonderful experience making up my first scary movie with him. We did a movie called Sinister, and he's just a real filmmaker." He continued, "I love the way he thinks about film and storytelling. And as I get older, I enjoy working in different genres as an actor. It's a way to shape [and] change yourself."
What is 'The Black Phone' all about?
The Black Phone narrates the terrifying story of Finney Shaw, a 13-year-old boy (Mason Thames) kidnapped by a ruthless killer and trapped in an acoustically insulated basement. In his dire situation, Finney discovers an old black phone that mysteriously connects him to the voices of the killer's previous victims who are determined to help him escape. Critics and viewers alike have praised the film for its performances, particularly those by Hawke and young actor Thames. Stream it on Netflix.
Meanwhile, Hawke is currently occupied with these projects
Hawke is currently engrossed in the promotions of his upcoming directorial film Wildcat, scheduled to hit US theaters on May 3. The movie also stars his daughter-actor, Maya Hawke. Additionally, Hawke is in discussions to collaborate with Sterlin Harjo for the FX drama series The Sensitive Kind, Deadline reported. In this Tulsa noir series, Hawke will portray a character with insider knowledge. He will also be an executive producer on it.
