When The Black Phone hit theaters in 2022, few could have predicted just how deeply audiences would connect with Gwen Shaw — the fearless, sharp-tongued sister who became the heart of the story. Two years later, Madeleine McGraw returns to that chilling world in The Black Phone 2, and she’s bringing a more mature, emotionally layered version of Gwen with her.
Returning to Gwen’s World
Madeleine shared that stepping back into Gwen’s shoes was far more intimidating this time around.
“I was definitely a lot more nervous than I was the first time,” she admitted. “Gwen’s been through so much, and she’s changed drastically — she’s more introverted now, more isolated, but that fire inside her is still there.”
In the sequel, Gwen is no longer the confident kid from the first film. Now a teenager dealing with the lingering trauma of her past, she’s navigating high school life as an outcast while still haunted by her psychic dreams.
Facing the Grabber Again
Of course, The Black Phone 2 wouldn’t be complete without the return of Ethan Hawke as the terrifying Grabber. Madeleine laughed when describing how unsettling it was to work with him again.
“He’s terrifying — even when he’s just sitting there on set with the mask on. You can’t tell when he’s in character or not. It’s so creepy but helped me get into that real fear.”
Filming in snowy, isolated environments also added to the psychological intensity. “It felt immersive and real,” she said. “Everything around us contributed to that sense of fear and loneliness.”
Gwen and Finn’s Stronger Bond
The sequel also deepens Gwen’s relationship with her brother Finn, played once again by Mason Thames.
“Their bond is stronger than ever. They’re really all each other have,” Madeleine explained. “Gwen wants to confront her fears, while Finn is trying to forget the past — they balance each other in a really emotional way.”
Working with Scott Derrickson Again
Reuniting with director Scott Derrickson was one of the highlights for Madeleine.
“Scott is such a genius, and he treats young actors with so much respect,” she said. “He trusts us to know our characters better than anyone else. That’s rare, and it means a lot.”
A Sequel Fueled by the Fans
Madeleine credits the fans for making The Black Phone 2 possible.
“We never expected the first one to blow up the way it did,” she said. “People tell me it changed their lives — that’s beyond anything I ever imagined.”
What to Expect from The Black Phone 2
While careful not to spoil key twists, Madeleine promises that the sequel will deliver both scares and heart.
“I hope fans are shaking in their boots,” she joked. “But I also hope they really feel the bond between Finn and Gwen — that’s the emotional core of the movie.”
When asked what she’s most obsessed with in pop culture right now, Madeleine smiled:
“Honestly? The Black Phone 2! I’ve been waiting for this day forever.”