Universal sets digital release date amid Box Office success…
Even as Black Phone 2 continues to haunt theaters with strong ticket sales, Universal Pictures is moving quickly to bring the horror sequel into living rooms. Following the 2021 hit, the follow-up reunites Mason Thames’ Finney and Madeleine McGraw’s Gwen as they delve into a mountainous camp linked to Gwen’s recurring nightmares. As well as the chilling legacy of Ethan Hawke’s Grabber, whose vicious, supernatural presence returns to terrorize a new generation.
From Silver Screen To Home Screens
Co-written by Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill and directed by Derrickson, Black Phone 2 has received generally positive reviews, holding a 72% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, even if it didn’t quite capture the full shock value of its predecessor. Box office performance, however, tells another story. With over $105 million grossed against a $30 million production budget, the film has become Blumhouse’s highest-grossing project of the year, effectively reversing a streak of underperforming releases.
Now, Universal has announced that Black Phone 2 will be available on VOD starting today, November 4th, with 4K Ultra-HD, Blu-ray, and DVD releases scheduled for December 23rd — just over two weeks after its theatrical debut.
A Strategic Move From Universal
While Universal traditionally announces VOD dates roughly two weeks after a film’s theatrical release, the timing for Black Phone 2 is intriguing. Horror sequels like M3GAN 2.0, which struggled against major blockbusters, often benefit from a quick digital rollout to capture additional revenue. In contrast, Black Phone 2 is still thriving in theaters, recently dethroning Tron: Ares domestically before narrowly ceding the top spot to Colleen Hoover’s Regretting You by just $1 million.
With the Halloween season over and the movie already highly profitable, the early VOD release makes sense. Fans who missed the theatrical run or prefer to watch from home can now experience the terror without delay, while the sequel still has momentum to continue performing in theaters. The strategy also mirrors the success of Thames’ How to Train Your Dragon remake, which crossed the $250 million domestic mark while simultaneously being available on digital platforms.
Tune In
For horror enthusiasts, Black Phone 2 offers everything Blumhouse fans have come to expect: suspenseful storytelling, supernatural scares, and a chilling performance by Ethan Hawke as the Grabber. Thames and McGraw deliver standout performances, deepening the emotional stakes as they navigate terror that’s both psychological and otherworldly.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer curious about what made the first film a modern horror touchstone, the sequel’s early digital release makes sure that there’s no excuse to miss the action. Black Phone 2 is available on VOD today, November 4th, with 4K Ultra-HD, Blu-ray, and DVD arriving December 23rd. For fans who thrive on scares and suspense, the Grabber is only a click away.
