Director Scott Derrickson’s adaptation of Joe Hill’s short story, “The Black Phone,” received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. With an 83% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a box office revenue of over $161 million on a budget of under $20 million, the film’s success has sparked discussions about the potential for a sequel. At CinemaCon in April, producer Jason Blum confirmed plans for a follow-up, raising the question: Could “The Black Phone 2” succeed as a sequel?

Before diving into sequel possibilities, let’s recap the storyline of “The Black Phone.” The film revolves around Finney Shaw (Mason Thames), a clever yet introverted 13-year-old boy who is kidnapped and imprisoned by a sadistic killer. Trapped in a soundproof basement, Finney discovers an unplugged phone that allows him to hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims. These spirits are determined to protect Finney from suffering the same fate. The film also features Madeleine McGraw as Finney’s sister, Gwen, who possesses psychic visions, and Ethan Hawke as the masked child killer known as The Grabber.

For a potential sequel to “The Black Phone,” one appealing option would be to continue the story several years after the events of the first film, following Finney and Gwen as they become entangled in another horrifying situation. This time, it could be triggered by Gwen’s psychic abilities, leading them into danger. This approach would provide an opportunity to see Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw reprise their roles and would be a significant draw for audiences.

Another possibility, although less appealing, would be to adopt an anthology format for the franchise. This approach would introduce new characters facing life-or-death situations and receiving supernatural assistance, similar to Finney’s experiences with phone calls. Each installment would feature different stories connected by the theme of spirits aiding people in dire circumstances.

Alternatively, the franchise could explore a prequel focusing on The Grabber. This approach would delve into the origins of the villain, showcasing his menacing persona, distinctive appearance, and backstory. However, given the dark and disturbing nature of the character, such a film would likely have a bleak ending, with The Grabber continuing his crimes unpunished.

Another way to incorporate The Grabber into a potential sequel would be to transform him into a supernatural entity haunting children from beyond the grave. This approach could introduce a new set of victims or intertwine The Grabber’s spirit with Finney and Gwen’s ongoing story, with the siblings having to confront and defeat him in their dreams and visions while dealing with a separate threat. However, it may be challenging to sustain this approach in the long run, considering the potential reluctance of Ethan Hawke to reprise his role as a horror icon in multiple sequels.

Ultimately, the possibilities for a sequel to “The Black Phone” are open for discussion. If you have any ideas or suggestions for how a follow-up could work, feel free to share them in the comments.