Tue Jan 06 05:00:00 UTC 2026: ### “Black Phone 2” Skips Theaters, Premieres Exclusively on Peacock

The Story:
Universal Pictures’ sequel to the surprise horror hit, “The Black Phone,” is set to premiere exclusively on Peacock on January 16, 2026. This decision follows the film’s theatrical release in October 2025, where it grossed over $132 million worldwide. Directed and written by Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, “Black Phone 2” sees the return of Ethan Hawke as The Grabber and continues the story of Finn (Mason Thames) and his sister Gwen (Madeline McGraw).

The film delves into the psychological torment inflicted by The Grabber from beyond the grave, as Finn and Gwen uncover deeper, disturbing secrets. The film is produced by Jason Blum, Derrickson, and Cargill.

Key Points:

  • “Black Phone 2” will be available exclusively on Peacock starting January 16, 2026.
  • The film had a theatrical release in October 2025, earning over $132 million worldwide.
  • Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill returned as director and writer, respectively.
  • Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, and Madeline McGraw reprise their roles.
  • The film is based on a short story by Joe Hill.
  • The original “Black Phone” grossed over $161 million worldwide and was a highly profitable movie for 2021.

Critical Analysis:

The decision to release “Black Phone 2” on Peacock shortly after its theatrical run suggests a shift in distribution strategy, potentially prioritizing streaming viewership and subscription growth over long-term box office revenue. The first film’s success and profitability likely factored into the decision to greenlight a sequel, but the quick transition to streaming indicates a recognition of the evolving media consumption habits.

Key Takeaways:

  • Streaming platforms are becoming increasingly important for film distribution, even for successful theatrical releases.
  • Studios are experimenting with release windows to maximize revenue across different platforms.
  • The success of “The Black Phone” demonstrates the continued appeal of horror films.

Impact Analysis:

This release strategy could set a precedent for future horror sequels, potentially shortening the theatrical window and accelerating the shift towards streaming-first content. This could have a significant impact on the box office performance of mid-budget films, as studios may prioritize the guaranteed revenue from streaming subscriptions over the potentially higher, but less certain, revenue from theatrical release. Additionally, it reinforces the growing importance of streaming platforms in the entertainment industry and their ability to shape the future of film distribution.

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