The Black Phone 2 box office debut scares up $42 million globally, marking a solid start for Blumhouse and Universal. Discover how Scott Derrickson’s sequel performed domestically and overseas — and why Tron: Ares is struggling despite a $180 million budget.
Black Phone 2 Box Office – A Strong Comeback for Blumhouse’s Horror Empire
The Black Phone 2 box office results are in, and Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions have another chilling success on their hands. The horror sequel opened with an impressive $42 million globally during its first weekend, proving that audiences still crave smart, atmospheric scares.
The follow-up to the 2022 sleeper hit reunites director Scott Derrickson and star Ethan Hawke, reprising his role as the terrifying Grabber. Despite fierce competition from Disney’s sci-fi sequel Tron: Ares, the Black Phone 2 box office is holding steady, providing a much-needed win for Blumhouse after several underperforming releases earlier in 2025.
🎬 Black Phone 2 Box Office Performance Worldwide
According to Variety, The Black Phone 2 grossed $26.5 million in the United States and Canada and $15.5 million from 71 international territories. Top overseas markets include Mexico ($4.3 million), the United Kingdom and Ireland ($1.4 million), and Brazil ($1.2 million).
The Black Phone 2 box office total surpasses the original’s international debut of $13 million, showing stronger interest across global markets. The film’s combination of psychological tension, nostalgic visuals, and the return of the Grabber clearly struck a chord with horror enthusiasts worldwide.
📊 Table 1: Black Phone 2 Box Office Earnings
| Region | Weekend Earnings (USD) | Market Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States & Canada | $26.5 million | Strong opening, leading domestic film |
| Mexico | $4.3 million | Top international market |
| United Kingdom & Ireland | $1.4 million | Solid performance for a horror film |
| Brazil | $1.2 million | Consistent turnout across major cities |
| Other 71 Territories | $8.6 million | Positive reception in Europe & Asia |
| Total Worldwide | $42 million | Successful global launch weekend |
🎥 Behind the Scenes: Scott Derrickson and Ethan Hawke Return
Director Scott Derrickson, known for blending psychological depth with supernatural terror, returned to helm The Black Phone 2 after the first film’s success. His partnership with Ethan Hawke once again delivers a chilling experience that resonates with audiences seeking elevated horror.
In interviews, Derrickson credited the success of the Black Phone 2 box office to the film’s emotional narrative and authentic performances:
“It’s a movie about trauma and survival disguised as a horror story,” Derrickson said. “That’s why people keep coming back.”
The sequel reportedly cost $30 million to produce, double the first film’s $18 million budget, yet it is already well on its way to profitability thanks to strong domestic interest and steady global momentum.
💰 Comparison with Tron: Ares and Other Major Releases
While The Black Phone 2 dominated horror screens, Disney’s big-budget sci-fi film Tron: Ares continues to face challenges. After two weekends, Tron: Ares has earned $103 million globally, a figure that might sound respectable until you consider its $180 million production budget plus a costly worldwide marketing push.
Blumhouse’s efficient model stands in stark contrast. The Black Phone 2 box office proves that lower-budget horror, when executed well, can outperform larger blockbusters in profit margins.
📈 Table 2: Box Office Comparison – Horror vs. Sci-Fi 2025
| Film | Budget (USD) | Global Gross (USD) | Opening Weekend (USD) | Profitability Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Black Phone 2 | $30 million | $42 million (week 1) | $42 million | High ROI potential |
| Tron: Ares | $180 million | $103 million (week 2) | $48 million | Projected loss |
| One Battle After Another | $130 million | $162.5 million (total) | $11.8 million | Slight profit margin |
The data underscores how cost-effective horror franchises like The Black Phone 2 can compete — and even outperform — mega-budget productions.
👻 Why Audiences Love The Black Phone 2
Audience reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Horror fans praise the sequel’s suspenseful storytelling, retro visual tone, and Ethan Hawke’s unsettling performance as the Grabber. The film expands on the mythology of its predecessor without relying on jump scares alone.
Social media chatter and audience exit polls show strong word-of-mouth, which bodes well for the Black Phone 2 box office longevity through the Halloween season.
Key reasons behind its success include:
- Smart marketing by Blumhouse and Universal targeting younger audiences.
- Positive critical reviews, with Rotten Tomatoes scores above 70%.
- Return of core creative team and expansion of the film’s mythos.
- October release timing, perfect for horror fans.
🎞️ The State of Blumhouse in 2025
The success of the Black Phone 2 box office offers a welcome boost to Blumhouse Productions, which faced setbacks with Wolf Man and M3GAN 2.0 earlier this year. Those films struggled to connect with audiences, raising concerns about franchise fatigue in the horror genre.
Jason Blum’s studio is now pinning hopes on upcoming projects like Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, slated for a December 2025 release. With renewed momentum, Blumhouse appears poised to maintain its position as Hollywood’s most profitable horror brand.
🌍 International Markets Show Promise
While the U.S. remains the strongest territory, international markets like Mexico and Brazil have shown a significant appetite for Blumhouse’s distinct horror style. European and Asian audiences are expected to contribute steadily as word-of-mouth spreads.
Industry analysts expect the Black Phone 2 box office to cross $100 million globally within its first month if it maintains its current trajectory.
💬 Critical and Audience Response
Critics have described The Black Phone 2 as “a worthy follow-up” that blends nostalgia with new-age horror craftsmanship. Audience ratings on CinemaScore stand at A-, higher than the original’s B+, suggesting long-term theatrical legs.
On social media platforms, hashtags like #BlackPhone2 and #EthanHawke are trending as fans discuss key scenes and the film’s moral undertones.
❓ FAQs About The Black Phone 2 Box Office
Q1: How much did The Black Phone 2 earn at the box office?
The Black Phone 2 box office earned $42 million globally in its opening weekend, with $26.5 million from North America and $15.5 million internationally.
Q2: What is the budget of The Black Phone 2?
The sequel was produced on a budget of $30 million, roughly double the first film’s budget of $18 million.
Q3: Who directed The Black Phone 2?
It was directed by Scott Derrickson, who also helmed the original film and Marvel’s Doctor Strange.
Q4: Is The Black Phone 2 doing better than the first movie?
Yes. The Black Phone 2 box office surpassed the first film’s $35.8 million global opening, indicating growth in international appeal.
Q5: Will The Black Phone 2 be profitable for Blumhouse?
Most likely. Given its low production costs and strong start, the film is expected to turn a healthy profit for Universal and Blumhouse within weeks of release.
🧩 Conclusion
The Black Phone 2 box office success story highlights the enduring power of clever, character-driven horror. By keeping budgets lean and focusing on suspense over spectacle, Blumhouse and Universal continue to outperform many big-studio blockbusters.
While Tron: Ares struggles to recoup its massive costs, The Black Phone 2 is emerging as one of the year’s most profitable releases. With Ethan Hawke’s chilling return and Scott Derrickson’s steady direction, the franchise has cemented itself as a modern horror classic.
If momentum continues, the Black Phone 2 box office could very well surpass the original’s $161 million global total — a fitting comeback for Blumhouse in 2025.