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Blumhouse is bringing some highly anticipated horror sequels our way this year. The first of the bunch is M3GAN 2.0, which is set to reach theatres on June 27th. The Black Phone 2 follows on October 17th, then Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 will help wrap up 2025 with its December 5th release. The Universal panel was held at the CinemaCon event today, and during the panel, Blumhouse was given the chance to promote all three of these upcoming sequels.

The video game adaptation Five Nights at Freddy’s quickly became Blumhouse Productions’ highest-grossing movie when it reached theatres and the Peacock streaming service back in 2023. The first film’s director, Emma Tammi, is back at the helm for Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, working from a screenplay she wrote with Seth Cuddeback and video game creator Scott Cawthon. Josh Hutcherson returns for the sequel to play former security guard Mike Schmidt,...

We're still six months away from the release of Scott Derrickson's Black Phone 2, but for those wondering how Ethan Hawke's The Grabber will fit into things, the wait is finally over. Fans will recall that the villainous child killer met his demise at the hands of Finney (Mason Thames) at the end of the first movie, so when the horror sequel was announced, it left many to question which direction the franchise would take. It appears as if it's taking at least some of its cues from another iconic series: A Nightmare on Elm Street.

Though the first footage for Black Phone 2 was shown behind closed doors and has yet to make its way online, Discussing Film was on hand at CinemaCon to provide fans with a description, noting that it began with a haunting rendition of Alice in Chains' "The Rooster." Finney is now living a gloomy existence,...

Universal Pictures dialed up new details on The Black Phone 2 from the CinemaCon stage in Las Vegas.

While filmmaker Scott Derrickson couldn’t make it to Sin City as he’s still in production, Blumhouse CEO Jason Blum had the honors (he even wore a Grabber mask for the occasion) and was joined by one of the franchise’s stars Madeleine McGraw. Together, they talked about the horror sequel before revealing a brand new trailer for the Colosseum crowd.

The first film became a surprise hit after its 2022 release when it grossed $161 million against an $18 million budget. It followed the events of what happens when a young boy is abducted and locked in a basement. While there, he starts receiving calls on a disconnected phone from the previous victims of a serial killer called the Grabber, played by Ethan Hawke. Derrickson wrote the script with longtime writing partner C. Robert Cargill...

Jason Blum hit the CinemaCon stage Wednesday in a “Five Nights at Freddy’s” costume to discuss the three sequels on the Blumhouse slate and introduce clips from each — including “The Black Phone 2.”

“October is my favorite month of the year,” Blum said. Actress Madeleine McGraw joined Blum on stage to introduce the first trailer to “The Black Phone 2.”

The trailer opens with a ringing black phone somewhere in a cold weather area. Pictures of three boys are seen. The Grabber’s lair from the first film is then revealed. “You of all people know that the dead is just a word,” the Grabber says. An older Mason Thames appears in a phone booth and the Grabber is revealed behind him.

The sequel is apparently “the launch of a sinister new franchise.”

“The Black Phone,” produced by Blumhouse, was released by Universal on June 24, 2022. The original film was directed...

Modern horror icons Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill are bringing Road of Bones to the silver screen.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, the hit filmmaking duo who most recently served as producers on The Gorge are slated to bring author Christopher Golden's 2022 novel Road of Bones to the silver screen for Sony Pictures' Screen Gems. As with previous projects such as Sinister and The Black Phone, Derrickson and Cargill will share writing duties, while Derrickson will helm the film as director. Road of Bones is the first project to emerge from the first-look deal Derrickson and Cargill's Crooked Highway reached with Sony/Screen Gems.

Road of Bones takes place on the Kolyma Highway, a very real 1,200 mile stretch of road in Siberia that crosses through some of the most treacherous and unforgiving terrain on Earth. Per the novel's official synopsis, "Felix Teigland, or "Teig," is a documentary producer, and...

The horror faithful got a jolt of excitement at CinemaCon 2025 when Universal Pictures and Blumhouse unveiled the official logo for The Black Phone 2, spotted on the bustling convention floor at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on March 29, 2025. This chilling reveal, a stark design echoing the rotary menace of its predecessor, signals the return of Scott Derrickson’s supernatural terror tale, slated to hit theaters on October 17, 2025.

The Grabber from The Black Phone/ Credits: Universal Pictures

With its retro font and shadowy phone silhouette drenched in ominous red and black hues, the logo isn’t just a teaser; it’s a promise of more sleepless nights. Following the 2021 original’s runaway success, this CinemaCon drop has fans buzzing about what’s next for the Grabber, who was killed by Finney with the phone cord, ending his reign of terror.

The Black Phone 2: Ethan Hawke reprises his serial killer...

For the last two decades, Timothy Olyphant has established himself as one of the small screen's most exciting and wildly-entertaining leading men, with the charming actor having famously starred in two of television's greatest Western masterpieces: Deadwood andJustified. From 2004 to 2006, Olyphant appeared alongside Ian McShane in the HBO knockout as Sheriff Seth Bullock, who, along with the cunning saloon owner Al Swearengen, tried to keep crime and chaos down in the dangerous streets of the titular town.

Deadwood has been hailed as one of the finest TV shows of all time and won eight Emmys and a Golden Globe Award, and in 2010, Olyphant followed up the stellar performance when he was cast as Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens in the engrossing neo-Western crime drama Justified, which was also lauded during its stellar six season run and left quite the impression on audiences. Let's take a closer look at Justified...

Russell Crowe and Ethan Hawke are set to unite for a new historical drama from director Padraic McKinley.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Crowe and Hawke are set to star in The Weight, a historical period drama set in 1930s Oregon. The film will be directed by McKinley, from a script written by Shelby Gaines, Matthew Chapman, and Matthew Booi. McKinley is an editor and producer known for American Gods and Kingdom. He recently served as an executive producer for Crowe's The Exorcism and has directed episodes of Debris and Kingdom. The Weight will serve as his feature film directorial debut.

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In The Weight, Hawke portrays "Samuel Murphy who, after the death of his wife, is imprisoned in a labor camp run by Clancy,...

Back in 2021, Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, and director Scott Derrickson brought us an adaptation of the Joe Hill short story The Black Phone (check out our review Here) that appeared to tell a complete story that would stand on its own… but the film was made on a budget of around $16 million and earned over $160 million at the global box office. So, on October 17, 2025, we’ll be getting The Black Phone 2. Filming wrapped in January, and during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Derrickson (whose new film The Gorge was released through Apple TV+ today) said that he’s aiming to surprise viewers with the Black Phone sequel, which is “more complicated” than its predecessor.

Derrickson wrote the screenplay for the first film with C. Robert Cargill, and Derrickson and Cargill have written the screenplay for The Black Phone 2 as well, with Derrickson returning to the helm. He...

In my recent interview with Scott Derrickson about his upcoming film The Gorge, the filmmaker teased The Black Phone 2, which wrapped production last month in Toronto.

It was Joe Hill, author of the short story on which The Black Phone is based, who pitched the concept that made Derrickson want to return for a sequel.

“I didn’t feel obliged to make a sequel to that movie. Joe Hill came up with an idea that sparked my interest,” Derrickson tells Bloody Disgusting.

“I realized that if I made a big movie after Black Phone — which is The Gorge — by the time I finished it, all those kids would be in high school. So what I really wanted to do, and what I did, was I shot a high school coming-of-age movie in the same way that the first one was a middle school coming-of-age movie.”

Ethan Hawke will return...

The Black Phone 2 director Scott Derrickson has shared a new update about the upcoming sequel to Blumhouse Productions’ 2021 supernatural horror movie. The first installment was based on the 2005 short story by Joe Hill.

During a recent interview with Screen Rant, Derrickson confirmed that production on The Black Phone 2 has already been completed, while teasing the surprises they have in store for fans of the first movie. "A lot of surprises, for sure. I just finished shooting Black Phone 2, and what I can tell you is that I didn't feel obliged to make a sequel," he said. This comes ahead of the upcoming Feb. 14 release of the filmmaker’s newest high-profile action thriller titled, The Gorge, which will see Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller guarding the gateway to hell.

RelatedThe Black Phone's Biggest Plot Holes & Unanswered Questions

Scott Derrickson's The Black Phone had a bunch of plot...

Scott Derrickson, the director of the 2021 horror filmThe Black Phone, is currently in post-production of the upcoming sequel, which has a release date of October 17, 2025. Not much is known about the movie at present, but Derrickson has now shared some plot details that solve one of the important mysteries of The Black Phone 2: When exactly does the horror outing take place?

Derrickson spoke to Screen Rant recently and, according to the director, he won't avoid the fact that time has passed since the first movie, or the fact that the young cast have grown. The Black Phone focuses on 13-year-old Finney Blake as he's abducted by the Grabber, a serial killer with a twisted affinity for masks. Considering The Black Phone 2 is focusing on some of the same characters, the age difference may have been a challenge, but Derrickson has a plan...

"A lot of surprises, for sure.

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This February, Tubi is bringing you a lot of entertainment, from the brilliant epic space opera film Dune: Part One to the classic sci-fi action film The Terminator. However, this article only includes the films coming to Tubi this month with a 90% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score. So, check out the ten best films coming to Tubi in February 2025 with a 90% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score.

Licorice Pizza (February 1) Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90% Credit – United Artists Releasing

Licorice Pizza is a coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The 2021 film is set in the 1970s in California’s San Fernando Valley, and it follows Gary Valentine, a teen actor who falls for Alana Kane, an older girl. Licorice Pizza stars Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Bradley Cooper, and Benny Safdie.

Leaving Las Vegas...

Back in 2021, Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, and director Scott Derrickson brought us an adaptation of the Joe Hill short story The Black Phone (check out our review Here) that appeared to tell a complete story that would stand on its own… but the film was made on a budget of around $16 million and earned over $160 million at the global box office. So, on October 17, 2025, we’ll be getting The Black Phone 2. Back on November 4th, Derrickson took to social media to let us know, “Black Phone 2 began shooting today.” Now, Derrickson has provided an update: filming has wrapped!

Last week, Derrickson wrote on Bluesky, “Black Phone 2 is wrapped. Couldn’t be more excited about what we’ve shot.”

Derrickson wrote the screenplay for the first film with C. Robert Cargill, and Derrickson and Cargill have written the screenplay for The Black Phone 2 as well, with Derrickson returning to the helm.

Scott Derrickson's hit feature film adaptation of The Black Phone is about to have a new streaming home.

Per Peacock, 2021's The Black Phone will be joining the streaming platform's ever-expanding library of films and TV shows on February 1. The Black Phone is just one of several major genre additions being made to the Peacock catalog on the same day, including 30 Days of Night and Candyman.

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Based on Joe Hill's short story of the same name from his 2005 anthology, 20th Century Ghosts, 2021's The Black Phone was directed by Derrickson from a script co-written by longtime collaborator C. Robert Cargill. The film starred Mason Thames as Finney, a young...

2025 is here! Which means, it’s time for yet another 365 days of exciting movies and watching your favorite actors pop up on the silver screen. And undoubtedly, this year is even more stacked than usual, thanks to studios delaying and rescheduling a few of the titles to 2025.

Therefore, browsing through a bunch of long-awaited sequels to iconic originals, we at FandomWire have come up with the 25 most anticipated movies of 2025. Whether you prefer superhero films or animation, our skilfully crafted list has a fair share of everything. So, buckle up for a thrilling ride.

1. 28 Years Later Cillian Murphy in a still from 28 Years Later | image: Sony Pictures

Director: Danny Boyle

Cast: Cillian Murphy, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Erin Kellyman

Release date: 20th June 2025

Revisiting Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s 28 Days Later franchise, the new installment is set to be the beginning of a planned trilogy. I mean, while...

The Black Phone is a 2021 horror film directed by Scott Derrickson, based on a short story by Joe Hill. It stars Mason Thames as Finney, a boy kidnapped by a serial killer known as The Grabber (played by Ethan Hawke).

While trapped, Finney uses a mysterious black phone to communicate with the ghosts of The Grabber’s previous victims, who help him plan his escape. The film also features Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, and James Ransone.

In October 2023, it was announced that ‘The Black Phone’ would have a sequel, originally planned for June 2025, but it has now been moved to October 2025. Director and co-writer Scott Derrickson will return to write the sequel with C. Robert Cargill, and both will also produce the film with Jason Blum.

JustJared recently shared which cast members we can expect to return to the movie, and which new additions will be joining the production in so far undisclosed roles.

Back in 2021, Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, and director Scott Derrickson brought us an adaptation of the Joe Hill short story The Black Phone (check out our review Here) that appeared to tell a complete story that would stand on its own… but the film was made on a budget of around $16 million and earned over $160 million at the global box office. So, on October 17, 2025, we’ll be getting The Black Phone 2 – and with the project a month deep into production, Deadline has broken the news that Arianna Rivas has joined the cast. Rivas previously had a supporting role in the comedy Prom Dates, which was released through the Hulu streaming service earlier this year, and has her first lead role in the upcoming Jason Statham action thriller Levon’s Trade. Details on her Black Phone 2 character have not been revealed.

Based on a short story by Joe Hill, The Black Phone centered on Finney Shaw,...

Production is underway on Scott Derrickson’s Blumhouse horror sequel The Black Phone 2, and Deadline reports today that the film’s cast will include Arianna Rivas (Prom Dates).

Arianna Rivas recently had a role in the Hulu Original comedy Prom Dates, and she also starred in the 2023 movie The Harvest. She’ll next be seen in David Ayer’s movie Levon’s Trade.

You can learn more about Arianna Rivas over on her official Instagram account.

Ethan Hawke will be back as The Grabber in The Black Phone, which Universal and Blumhouse will be releasing on the big screen just in time for next Halloween on October 17, 2025.

The cast for The Black Phone 2 also includes Mason Thames (How to Train Your Dragon, Incoming), Madeleine McGraw (Toy Story 4, Secrets of Sulphur Springs), Jeremy Davies (Justified), Miguel Mora (The Black Phone), and Demián Bichir (The Nun).

Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill...

As production continues to roll along apace, another star has answered the call for Scott Derrickson's The Black Phone 2. The much-anticipated horror sequel has added Arianna Rivas to its call sheet, landing her along side the returning ensemble of Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, and Miguel Mora. She's the second major new addition to join the project alongside Oscar-winning horror veteran Demián Bichir. Her introduction the horror flick also comes soon after production wrapped on her first lead role in the starry Amazon MGM movie Levon's Trade opposite action favorite Jason Statham.

Exclusive: Arianna Rivas is boarding Scott Derrickson’s Blumhouse/Universal sequel Black Phone 2.

The actress joins the original pic’s ensemble of 4x Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies and Miguel Mora, with new addition Oscar nominee Demián Bichir.

Black Phone 2 was written by Cargill and Derrickson, who are also producing the film with Blumhouse’s Jason Blum. Universal and Blumhouse are producing with Crooked Highway Production. EP is Joe Hill. The pic is scheduled to open on Oct. 17, 2025.

The first movie, which grossed over $161M worldwide, and was certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, follows a young boy who is abducted by a neighborhood killer, the Grabber (Hawke). Locked in the Grabber’s basement, the boy begins receiving calls on a disconnected phone from the killer’s victims.

Rivas recently wrapped filming her first lead role in the Amazon/MGM movie Levon’s Trade, opposite Jason Statham.

Fresh off her appearance in this year’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Anya Taylor-Joy has been tapped to star in Apple TV+’s latest thriller, Lucky, which is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Marissa Stapley. Taylor-Joy starred as Imperator Furiosa in the George Miller production back in May, which unfortunately didn’t live up to expectations, taking in just $173 million at the box office against a budget of $168 million.

Still, Taylor-Joy’s stock remains high thanks to a number of hits in recent years, including The Menu, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and a brief appearance in Dune: Part 2. The Hollywood Reporter mentions that she’ll also serve as an executive producer on Lucky, alongside Reese Witherspoon through her Hello Sunshine label. The thriller comes by way of creator Jonathan Tropper, who’ll also serve as co-showrunner along with Cassie Pappas.

Related Furiosa...

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Sanctuary is a psychological thriller directed by Zachary Wigon from a screenplay by Micah Bloomberg. Starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott in the lead role of a dominatrix and Hal, who is soon becoming the CEO of a large corporation and that’s why he wants to end his relationship with the dominatrix as he fears that it will come out later. This starts off a dark and twisted night that will leave you gasping for air. Sanctuary stars Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. So, if you loved the intensely thrilling story, inappropriate relationships, and compelling characters in Sanctuary here are some similar movies you should check out next.

Secretary (Tubi & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Lions Gate Films

Secretary is an erotic romantic drama film directed by Steven Shainberg from a screenplay by Erin Cressida Wilson. Based...

Director Scott Derrickson has given us a delayed but much-welcome spooky season treat by delivering news that should please horror fans, especially if they loved his 2022 horror film, The Black Phone. It looks like cameras have begun to roll on The Black Phone 2, and the director shared a small peek to let everyone know that filming is underway on the anticipated horror sequel. Derrickson took to his X/Twitter page to share a picture from the set with the logo for the sequel on the back of his director's chair. The caption is sweet and simple, reading, "Black Phone 2 began shooting today." No other sequel details were revealed in the post, and it's likely this one will remain a secret as fans anticipate what Derrickson and his team are cooking up.

Many fans have wondered how a sequel could be made to The Black Phone, given how the first...

Back in 2021, Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, and director Scott Derrickson brought us an adaptation of the Joe Hill short story The Black Phone that appeared to tell a complete story that would stand on its own… but the film was made on a budget of around $16 million and earned over $160 million at the global box office. So, on October 17, 2025, we’ll be getting The Black Phone 2 – and with the release date eleven months away, Derrickson has now confirmed on social media that Black Phone 2 has started filming!

Based on a short story by Joe Hill, The Black Phone centered on Finney Shaw, a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, who is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement...

Production on ‘The Black Phone 2’ is underway, with director Scott Derrickson sharing a behind-the-scenes snapshot that hints at the chilling return of Ethan Hawke’s character, the Grabber.

The photo shows a chair marked with the film’s title, signaling the beginning of shooting. Derrickson announced the news by stating, “Shooting started today.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson)

The sequel promises to bring back familiar faces, including Ethan Hawke as the malevolent Grabber and Mason Thames, who will reprise his role as Finney.

The original cast members Madeleine McGraw, Miguel Mora, and Jeremy Davies are also returning, with Demián Bichir joining the chilling lineup.

Derrickson teams up again with C. Robert Cargill to bring this script to life, continuing the story inspired by Joe Hill’s original short story.

In ‘The Black Phone’, we see Finney defeat the Grabber, seemingly killing him...

The Black Phone 2 gets a new production update and behind-the-scenes image from director Scott Derrickson. Released in 2021, The Black Phone follows a young boy as he gets kidnapped and subsequently starts talking on a disconnected phone to his kidnapper's previous victims. The film, which features Ethan Hawke as disturbing villain The Grabber, was a box office hit, and The Black Phone 2 was subsequently confirmed to be in development with a release date set for October 17, 2025.

Derrickson now takes to X, formerly Twitter, to share a new image from the set of The Black Phone 2, confirming that production on the sequel has now officially begun. The behind-the-scenes image doesn't reveal much, but it does feature the film's logo on the back of a director's chair. Both the image and the director's caption could suggest that the sequel will be dropping the "the" from the title. Check out Derrickson's...

Production on The Black Phone 2 is officially underway. The upcoming horror movie is a sequel to The Black Phone, which was one of 2022's surprise box office hits.

On Nov. 4, Derrickson shared on X that "Black Phone 2 begins shooting today." Included in the post was a black-and-white photo of the back of his director's chair, which revealed the logo for the upcoming horror sequel. The Black Phone 2 was first announced in October 2023, with the cast finalized the following month. Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, and Miguel Mora are all on board to reprise their roles from the first movie.

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Black Phone 2 began shooting today pic.

Ethan Hawke will be back as The Grabber on Scott Derrickson’s The Black Phone 2, and the filmmaker has revealed on socials that production is now underway on the upcoming sequel.

Universal and Blumhouse will release The Black Phone 2 in theaters on October 17, 2025.

Mason Thames (How to Train Your Dragon, Incoming), Madeleine McGraw (Toy Story 4, Secrets of Sulphur Springs), Jeremy Davies (Justified) and Miguel Mora (The Black Phone) also set to return alongside Hawke. Demián Bichir (The Nun) has also joined the cast.

Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill will be writing and producing the upcoming sequel, with Derrickson directing. The first movie was based on Joe Hill’s short story.

In the first film, Finney (Thames), a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer (Hawke) and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use.

When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring,...

Lost star Rebecca Mader reveals how she was convinced to return a year after her character, Charlotte Lewis, had been killed in the series. Mader made her series debut at the beginning of season 4 as part of the science team that came to the island aboard the Kahana freighter. Unlike the other members of the science team, whose roles expanded as part of Lost's cast in season 5, Charlotte was killed in season 5, episode 5, "This Place is Death," and Mader believed at the time that this was the end of her run on the hit series.

On The Sackhoff Show podcast, Mader explained that she returned in season 6 when showrunners Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof told her she would get to make out with James "Sawyer" Ford (Josh Holloway). At this point, Mader had moved on from Lost and had made two independent movies. Despite being disappointed with the way...

Matt Damon may play the titular character in Saving Private Ryan, but it can be argued that another is more important to the film's thematic explorations. For many reasons, Saving Private Ryan is considered among the best war movies of all time. From the cast assembled and the intriguing, utterly human characters that they play to the spectacle-filled battle scenes that are equal parts exciting and traumatizing, it becomes clear by the time of Saving Private Ryan's ending that it is a truly special movie.

At the head of Saving Private Ryan's cast is Tom Hanks as John Miller, a captain of the U.S. Army who is forced to venture into wartorn Europe to find a young private named James Ryan. As alluded to, Ryan is portrayed by Matt Damon and serves as the center point of the entire movie. Although this remains true and Ryan is an...

Back in 2021, Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, and director Scott Derrickson brought us an adaptation of the Joe Hill short story The Black Phone (check out our review Here) that appeared to tell a complete story that would stand on its own… but the film was made on a budget of around $16 million and earned over $160 million at the global box office. So, on October 17, 2025, we’ll be getting The Black Phone 2. In a video that was shown to New York Comic Con attendees during the Blumhouse panel there, Derrickson said that he sees the sequel as a high school coming-of-age film.

Based on a short story by Joe Hill, The Black Phone centered on Finney Shaw, a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, who is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring,...

For Steven Spielberg, World War II represents an era shrouded in endless mystery, tragic battles, and stories with a beginning, a middle, and an end — although not necessarily in that order. Saving Private Ryan, for instance, starts in the middle of D-Day at Omaha Beach. But the titular character himself remains absent throughout the entire film, showing up only at the eleventh hour.

Saving Private Ryan (1998) [Credit: Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures]

While Tom Hanks & Co. make their way across an impossible landscape to retrieve the last surviving Ryan brother, the audience sits through an intense and painful 160 minutes of absolute uncertainty about the heroes’ fates. Their final moments, in true Spielbergian fashion, reflect the power of the director’s storytelling, whose influence can still be seen today in films like Hacksaw Ridge, Flags of Our Fathers, and Dunkirk.

Steven Spielberg’s Sadistic Turn in Saving Private Ryan Saving Private Ryan feat.

The most gruesome scene in Saving Private Ryan was almost shot in an entirely different way. As one of the best D-Day movies of all time, Saving Private Ryan remains one of the greatest war movies ever made as well. Although the celebrated Steven Spielberg film was released in 1998, Saving Private Ryan became a streaming hit in 2024 after being released on both Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+. Saving Private Ryan was written by Oscar nominee Robert Rodat and won five Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, and Best Film Editing.

While many of the battle scenes in Saving Private Ryan can be difficult to watch, one infamous scene has been a source of controversy and debate since its inception. During the Battle at Ramelle towards the end of Saving Private Ryan, several of the key characters are killed by the invading German soldiers, including Private Mellish, portrayed by Adam Goldberg.

We've just learned some new information about The Black Phone 2 that many horror fans will be excited about. Academy nominee Demián Bichir has officially joined the cast of the highly anticipated sequel from Universal and Blumhouse in an undisclosed role.

The Black Phone 2 is a sequel to the supernatural horror film The Black Phone, which is about a teen boy who is abducted and held captive by a masked serial killer known as "The Grabber." Scott Derrickson, who co-wrote the script for the first film with C. Robert Cargill as well as directed it, returns to helm the sequel and co-write its script with Cargill again.

Unfortunately, plot details on The Black Phone 2 are still being kept under wraps, but we do know who else will be in the cast besides Bichir. Ethan Hawke (The Grabber), Mason Thames (Finney), Madeleine McGraw (Gwen), Jeremy Davies (Terrence), and Miguel Mora...

Actor Demián Bichir has joined the cast of Scott Derrickson’s upcoming horror sequel The Black Phone 2.

The Black Phone was a huge success for Universal Pictures and Blumhouse, so it’s really no wonder a sequel was greenlit so quickly. The sequel, simply titled The Black Phone 2, will hit cinemas next year and we already know Ethan Hawke will reprise his role as The Grabber.

Demián Bichir has now also joined the sequel in an undisclosed role, as reported by Deadline. All plot details are also being kept under wraps, but something tells us The Grabber might be grabbing kids again.

The first film grossed over $160m at the global box office and received generally positive reviews from critics. Director Scott Derrickson is set to return to direct the sequel and the script is also his handiwork, again with frequent collaborator Robert C Cargill.

Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw,...

Universal and Blumhouse will release The Black Phone 2 in theaters on October 17, 2025, and Deadline reports tonight that Demián Bichir (The Nun) has joined the cast.

Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill will be writing and producing the upcoming sequel, with Derrickson directing. The first movie was based on Joe Hill’s short story.

Ethan Hawke will be back as The Grabber, with Mason Thames (How to Train Your Dragon, Incoming), Madeleine McGraw (Toy Story 4, Secrets of Sulphur Springs), Jeremy Davies (Justified) and Miguel Mora (The Black Phone) also set to return.

In the first film, Finney (Thames), a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer (Hawke) and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use.

When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, Finney discovers that he can hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims. And they...

Deadline reports that Demián Bichir is set to join the cast of The Black Phone 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Scott Derrickson’s supernatural horror movie.

Exactly who Demián Bichir will play in The Black Phone 2 is being kept under wraps, but he joins original cast members Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, and Miguel Mora, who are all returning for the sequel. Scott Derrickson is returning to direct, and he also co-wrote the script with C. Robert Cargill. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but I’m intrigued to see what the sequel will bring. The first film followed “Finney Shaw, a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, who is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, Finney discovers that he can hear the voices...

Exclusive: After world premiering his Angelina Jolie-helmed war drama Without Blood at the Toronto Film Festival, Academy Award nominee Demián Bichir has come aboard for a role in The Black Phone 2, Universal’s sequel to its 2022 horror hit from director Scott Derrickson.

Details as to Bichir’s role are being kept under wraps, as is the follow-up’s plot. As we were first to report, original cast members Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies and Miguel Mora are all set to return, along with Derrickson, who again co-wrote the script with partner C. Robert Cargill. Slated for release in theaters on October 17, 2025, the sequel will be produced by Derrickson, Cargill, and Blumhouse’s Jason Blum. Joe Hill, writer of the short story on which the first film was based, serves as executive producer.

Set in 1978 Colorado, The Black Phone watches as the shy 13-year-old Finney Shaw...

In a career spanning several decades, George Clooney has appeared in plenty of massive blockbusters, but he also has some underrated gems. Clooney's most popular movies include the Ocean's trilogy, O Brother, Where Art Thou, Gravity and many more. His good looks and charisma have made him a bankable leading man in a variety of genres, but not all his movies get the love they deserve.

George Clooney and Brad Pitt are set to team up once more for Apple TV's new action-comedy Wolfs, in which they play two combative fixers forced to work together. While Wolfs is already generating plenty of excitement, some of Clooney's movies have managed to fly under the radar in his career. Looking back at Clooney's career, there are plenty of underrated comedies, sci-fi movies and actioners which deserve a second chance.

Solaris (2002) Kelvin

Solaris

Director Steven SoderberghRelease Date November 27, 2002Cast Ulrich Tukur, Jeremy Davies,...

A historian unpacks a key moment in Saving Private Ryan's opening sequence. One of the most iconic war scenes of all time, Saving Private Ryan opens with a portrayal of the D-Day landing on Omaha Beach. It is characteristically brutal, showing a gritty take on people dying. Saving Private Ryan was directed by Steven Spielberg and features a leading cast including Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi, Jeremy Davies, Ted Danson, and Paul Giamatti.

Now, WW2 historian John McManus speaks with Insider about a key moment from Saving Private Ryan's Omaha Beach scene.

The moment in question occurs when the sound heard is distorted as Hanks' character looks on at the horror happening around him. McManus contested that while the moment "may seem a little over-the-top Hollywood," this moment is actually an accurate representation of what is called acoustic trauma. Acoustic trauma...

World War II historian John McManus praises the realistic portrayal of fear in war. Upham's lack of action in Saving Private Ryan's scene highlights the harsh reality of war, addressing Ptsd and long-term effects. Upham, as an interpreter without combat experience, struggled to navigate the horrors of war, emphasizing that heroism and survival are often incompatible.

World War II historian John McManus praises the accuracy of the infamous Timothy Upham (Jeremy Davies) scene in Saving Private Ryan. The scene in question features Upham frozen with fear and shock when his comrade, Stanley Mellish (Adam Goldberg), is stabbed and killed by a German soldier. Upham does not try to save Mellish's life, and when the German soldier sees the cowardly Upham in the stairwell, he walks past Upham, as if he is not worth killing.

In a video with Insider, McManus explains that while Upham's lack of action is heavily criticized,...

Lost featured a captivating ensemble cast with characters that left a lasting impact on viewers. Characters like Jack Shephard and John Locke stood out, while others like Claire and Boone fell short. Michael's complex journey and Ben's villainous yet human portrayal contributed to Lost's enduring popularity.

Lost boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring a diverse array of captivating characters. Consequently, some characters have garnered widespread acclaim as fan favorites, while others have gained notoriety for being the least favored. This iconic television series, spanning six seasons from 2004 to 2010, introduced a multitude of complex personalities that captivated audiences. From the charismatic and pragmatic leader Jack Shephard to the enigmatic and influential John Locke, certain characters left a huge impact, long after Losts finale.

Others, like the manipulative Benjamin Linus and the unpredictable Sawyer, generated polarizing reactions with their morally ambiguous actions. The depth and richness of these characters, coupled with...

Steven Spielberg has made some of the greatest films that will forever stand the test of time. The director has made films in every genre and has shown that he is a master at evoking awe and emotion in everything he does. In the 90s, Spielberg made two drastically different films based on World War II, considered among his best works.

Tom Hanks led the ensemble cast of Saving Private Ryan | Paramount Pictures

While 1993 Schindler’s List, focused on a German industrialist saving a thousand Polish Jews, 1998’s Saving Private Ryan dealt with a group of soldiers trying to locate the titular Ryan in Normandy. Tom Hanks played the lead role in the latter but several actors like Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford were considered before the Forrest Gump star.

Despite Mel Gibson’s Suggestions, Steven Spielberg Didn’t Cast Him in Saving Private Ryan

Mel Gibson as William Wallace...

Warning: This article contains discussions of suicide and self-harm. It also conatains spoilers for The Black Phone

The Black Phone was a box office success, leading to a sequel and a spinoff in V/H/S/85 in 2023. Co-written and directed by Scott Derrickson, the film follows a teen trapped by a serial kidnapper who receives help from the ghosts of past victims to escape. "Dreamkill" in V/H/S/85 connects to The Black Phone by exploring other family members connected to the original movie's teen, and stands out for its blend of styles and narrative connections.

The Black Phone proved to be a major hit upon its 2021 release, garnering rave reviews and becoming a box office smash, which netted a sequel order, and also a spinoff quietly released in 2023 in V/H/S/85. Co-written and directed by Sinister's Scott Derrickson, the movie served as an adaptation of Joe Hill's short story of the same name,...

When you think of 1996's Twister, what comes to mind? Cinema's most unlucky cow goes without saying. There are the Academy Award-nominated visual effects from Industrial Light & Magic; a roll call of the era's best character actors. For those of us who spent our tender childhoods watching Twister, that formative experience probably spawned either daydreams about becoming an adult storm chaser or a lifelong entrancement with tornadoes (or both). Yet I ask you: what is Twister without estranged lovers Jo (Helen Hunt) and Bill Harding (Bill Paxton) pouring their hearts out in the dramatically cascading rain? Or making out in the aftermath of an F5 tornado they illogically survived? Everyone remembers the cow. We come back for the bickering sexual tension, the unresolved feelings, and the irrepressible love declarations. Twister never hides its romantic comedy origins, it just dips them into the disaster and horror genres for extra rizz. This...

Twister's cast is stacked and the pace is relentless, with the majority being excellent. The CG holds up well, while some acting is slightly uneven and Bill Paxton feels a little miscast. Twister is comfort viewing with high entertainment value, and its quality genuinely holds up.

In 1996, Twister made storm-chasing cool. Actually, it's probably more fair to say that in 1996, Twister put storm-chasing on the radars of 90% of the world who had no idea it was even a thing. Released in the perfect storm of the 1990s blockbuster season, when nature's awesome power was something of a Hollywood obsession, Jan de Bont's breathless actioner became a hit with audiences, while contemporary critics appeared decidedly less awe-struck.

Twister is a lot more than the second-highest grossing movie of 1996 (behind Independence Day), it is something of a time capsule a love letter to movies that don't get made anymore. Or it would be,...

Twisters may best the original in terms of reviews, but surpassing its box office success and becoming the year's second highest-grossing film will be a tall order. The sequel shifts focus to a new cast while maintaining the thrilling tornado-chasing narrative of Twister, setting it up for box office success. Twisters needs a strong box office performance to cover its hefty budget and to surpass Dune 2's impressive draw.

Early reviews suggest that Twisters will best the original 1996 film's lukewarm critical score, but the standalone sequel will have a much more difficult time beating another Twister record regarding the movie's impressive box office draw. Co-written by Michael Crichton, the novelist behind Jurassic Park, 1996's Twister remains one of the most iconic disaster movies of all time. The Oscar-nominated film's then-boundary-pushing blend of CGI and practical effects made the looming threat of tornadoes incredibly visceral to movie-goers. While Twister's...

Twisters features massive sets and realistic locations, enhancing the authenticity and detail of the film. The movie has a budget of $200 million, making it one of the most expensive productions of 2024. Twisters likely needs to make more than the original Twister in order to turn a profit.

The Twisters cast explains the massive scale for the new sets of the upcoming action movie. Twisters is a standalone action sequel to the iconic '90s film Twister that featured a leading cast including Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Cary Elwes, Jami Gertz, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Lois Smith, Alan Ruck, Todd Field, and Jeremy Davies. Twisters is set for release this week on July 19 and features a leading cast including Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney, and Sasha Lane.

Related Twister Cast & Where They Are Now

While the modern cult classic film Twister stands out for a number of reasons,...

The highly-anticipated standalone sequel to the 1996 disaster thriller film Twister is finally here. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung from a screenplay by Mark L. Smith, Twisters is a disaster action thriller film and it follows the story of Kate Cooper, a former storm chaser who gets roped into chasing storms once again by her friend Javi to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. Kate soon meets the daredevil storm wrangler Tyler Owens and all of them team up to fight for their survival. Twisters stars Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney, and Sasha Lane. So, if you loved the surviving thriller, disaster, and a bit of romantic element in Twisters here are some similar movies you could watch next.

Twister (Max & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Warner Bros.

Twister is a disaster thriller film directed by Jan de Bont from a screenplay co-written by Michael Crichton and Anne-Marie Martin.