MOVIE NEWS – Stephen King saw Black Phone 2 before its release and summed it up with one line: “It’s not as good as the first. IT’S BETTER.”

Stephen King is having quite a year. His early novel The Long Walk has been adapted for the screen, The Running Man is coming soon, and now Black Phone 2 is about to arrive. Although King himself didn’t work on this sequel, his son Joe Hill—under his pen name—is the creative force behind it, making King indirectly involved, especially in the horror genre.

Thanks to his personal connection and expertise, Stephen King was able to watch Black Phone 2 before anyone else and quickly shared his verdict online.

His review consisted of just one line: “It’s not as good as the first. IT’S BETTER.”

This is high praise considering the first film was both a box-office success and a critical favorite. King’s positive reaction aligns with his son’s earlier remarks that one element from the first film could be expanded into a new story, avoiding the sequel trap of simply recycling old ideas.

Black Phone 2 ventures deeper into supernatural horror: the teen-hunting villain, the Grabber (Ethan Hawke), returns from beyond the grave to claim new victims. Returning cast members include Mason Thames as Finney and Madeleine McGraw as Gwen. Critics note that while the sequel tackles a lot, the filmmakers keep it all under control — with richer character arcs, a more complex plot, and hints of a possible future continuation.

(Black Phone 2 – Hungarian release: October 16, 2026)

Source: UIP Dunafilm