Mason Thames Returns in ‘Black Phone 2’: VOD Release Date, Box Office Triumph, and the Sequel’s Haunted Journey

Mason Thames Steps Back into the Shadows: ‘Black Phone 2’ Arrives on VOD

When Universal Pictures announced the VOD release date for Black Phone 2, fans of the supernatural thriller were caught off guard by how soon they could revisit the chilling world crafted by director Scott Derrickson. The sequel, starring Mason Thames as Finney Blake, is set to hit digital platforms on November 4, 2025—just over two weeks after its theatrical debut.

Why such a quick turnaround? Universal’s strategy is clear: capitalize on the post-Halloween momentum and the film’s strong box office performance. With over $105 million grossed against a modest $30 million production budget, Black Phone 2 stands as Blumhouse’s highest-grossing title of the year, bucking a trend of underperforming releases. The studio’s move to bring the film to VOD now suggests confidence in its continued appeal, even as the season shifts.

The Evolution of Finney Blake: Trauma and Survival

Four years after Finney Blake’s harrowing escape from the masked abductor known as The Grabber, Mason Thames returns to a role marked by psychological depth and raw vulnerability. Finney, now 17, is still haunted by memories of captivity—a motif that threads through the sequel’s narrative. Thames’ portrayal isn’t just a continuation; it’s a transformation. Where the first film saw a desperate fight for survival, the sequel explores the aftermath, as trauma lingers and shapes every decision.

Thames’ performance stands out not only for its intensity but also for its subtlety. He embodies a young man forced to navigate ordinary adolescence shadowed by extraordinary experiences. The result is a protagonist who resonates with viewers—a survivor whose journey feels painfully real, even as the story veers into the supernatural.

Supernatural Dread and New Mysteries

Directed by Scott Derrickson and co-written with C. Robert Cargill and Joe Hill, Black Phone 2 picks up with Finney and his psychic sister Gwen. The plot thickens as Gwen begins receiving cryptic calls from the black phone and haunting visions of boys vanishing at a snowy camp. The tension is palpable: is the past repeating itself, or has something even darker been unleashed?

The film leans heavily into its horror roots, amplifying the sense of dread that made the original so compelling. Yet, critics have noted a dip in reception compared to the first installment. Holding a respectable 72% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the sequel may not have reached the heights of its predecessor, but it remains a solid entry in the genre—one that refuses to settle for mere imitation.

This time, the supernatural isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an active force, twisting the lives of its characters and forcing them to confront fears both real and imagined. Thames anchors the chaos with a performance that never loses sight of Finney’s humanity, even as the world around him grows increasingly surreal.

Box Office Triumph and Industry Impact

It’s impossible to ignore the financial success of Black Phone 2. Blumhouse, a studio known for low-budget, high-impact horror, has found its biggest hit of the year. The film’s strong box office showing—over $105 million in just a few weeks—signals a robust appetite for stories that blend psychological tension with supernatural stakes.

The decision to release the film on VOD so soon after its theatrical run is more than a marketing ploy. Universal’s approach, previously tested with titles like M3GAN 2.0, reflects a changing landscape in movie distribution. Audiences want access, and studios are increasingly willing to oblige, especially when a film has already proven its worth in theaters.

Thames’ rising star also plays into the equation. With his role in the upcoming How to Train Your Dragon remake already drawing attention—especially as it crossed the $250 million domestic mark while available on digital—his presence in Black Phone 2 brings added visibility and momentum.

Creative Team and Production Details

Behind the scenes, Black Phone 2 is a showcase of horror talent. Scott Derrickson returns to direct, collaborating once again with writers C. Robert Cargill and Joe Hill. Producers Jason Blum, Cargill, and Derrickson drive the project, with executive producers Adam Hendricks, Joe Hill, Ryan Turek, and Maggie Levin lending their expertise.

The film runs 114 minutes, balancing taut suspense with moments of quiet reflection. The creative team’s commitment to atmosphere and character development is evident throughout, even as the story pushes into darker territory.

What’s Next for Mason Thames?

For Mason Thames, Black Phone 2 marks another milestone in a career defined by bold choices. His ability to anchor complex, emotionally charged narratives has set him apart in a crowded field of young actors. As Finney Blake, he offers a nuanced take on trauma and resilience—qualities that continue to draw both critical and popular attention.

With new projects on the horizon and a growing fanbase, Thames is poised for further success. His journey from breakout star to reliable leading man is well underway, and Black Phone 2 only adds to his reputation as an actor unafraid to tackle challenging material.

The Sequel’s Lasting Impact

As the VOD release brings Black Phone 2 to a wider audience, the film’s legacy is still taking shape. Will it inspire further sequels, or stand as a singular exploration of fear and healing? For now, the story belongs to Thames and his collaborators—a testament to the power of horror to illuminate the darkest corners of human experience.

Ultimately, ‘Black Phone 2’ succeeds by digging deeper into its characters’ psyches, with Mason Thames delivering a performance that anchors the film’s supernatural tension in genuine emotional truth. The sequel’s commercial and creative risks have paid off, setting a new standard for horror follow-ups in an evolving cinematic landscape.