Imagine a horror icon so terrifying that he haunts your dreams even after death—now picture someone stepping into those clawed gloves in a whole new film. That's the thrilling premise drawing fans into Black Phone 2, where The Grabber aims to channel the nightmare fuel of Freddy Krueger. But does he truly succeed, or is this just a clever nod to the classics? Buckle up, because we're diving deep into the sequel's ambitions and controversies.
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Warning: This piece includes major spoilers for Black Phone 2, so if you haven't seen it yet, tread carefully—or better yet, catch the film first!
Right now, mainstream horror films are moving away from relying on those legendary figures that defined the genre for decades. Think about it: Blumhouse's Halloween trilogy feels like ancient history, and it's been over 16 years since we got a full-length Friday the 13th movie (check out this link for a nostalgic look: https://www.slashfilm.com/1514348/friday-the-13th-conquered-box-office-15-years-ago-jason-voorhees-vanished/). Freddy Krueger, the dream-slicing villain from A Nightmare on Elm Street, hasn't graced the big screen in a feature film since the 2010 remake. Enter Black Phone 2, boldly attempting to bridge that gap as The Grabber positions himself as the new king of night terrors.
In this follow-up, The Grabber—played with chilling intensity by Ethan Hawke—seeks revenge on Finn (Mason Thames) from beyond the grave, turning his predatory gaze to Finn's younger sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw), by invading her sleep. Does this plot twist ring a bell? It should, as it echoes the dream-based horrors of Krueger. Gwen starts getting eerie calls in her dreams from that notorious black phone, and she glimpses visions of three young boys at the Alpine Lake winter camp. Convinced there's a mystery to unravel, Gwen drags Finn along for a perilous trip to the camp amidst a raging winter storm. And guess who's lurking there, ready to strike—even if not in physical form?
Director Scott Derrickson and writer C. Robert Cargill were upfront about their inspirations, openly acknowledging Elm Street and Freddy as key influences. The way The Grabber strikes from the afterlife, after Finn defeated him in the first movie, mirrors Krueger's debut in Wes Craven's iconic 1984 film. With Freddy MIA for so long, the creators spotted a golden chance to revive that supernatural killer vibe.
As /Film's Rafael Motamayor pointed out in his review of Black Phone 2 (https://www.slashfilm.com/1974280/black-phone-2-review/), the film pays homage to A Nightmare on Elm Street, especially the standout Dream Warriors sequel with its inventive dream sequences. But here's where it gets controversial—can The Grabber really evolve into our modern Freddy Krueger? Does the movie convincingly argue for him to take that crown? It's not a straightforward yes or no.
One Major Parallel Between The Grabber and Freddy Krueger
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Black Phone 2 isn't outright stealing from A Nightmare on Elm Street; instead, it's more like a mix-and-match of horror staples. The winter camp setting evokes classic summer camp slasher flicks, while the dream elements, filmed in a grainy Super 8 style, nod to Derrickson's own eerie Sinister (for a behind-the-scenes scoop on how that terrifying opening was crafted, visit: https://www.slashfilm.com/1050637/the-wild-true-story-of-how-sinisters-terrifying-opening-scene-was-made-exclusive/). Toss in some Freddy flair, and The Grabber transforms into an eternal nightmare stalker.
For fans craving that itch-scratching nostalgia, the film delivers, but it's no direct replacement for a fresh Elm Street installment. Still, the parallels between The Grabber's transformation and Freddy's are hard to ignore. Beyond the obvious—like the violent dream assaults on Gwen—there's one crucial link tying these killers together.
Ethan Hawke, an Oscar nominee and one of today's top talents, was a huge coup for the role, and he's fully embraced The Grabber's creepiness since his unsettling acceptance of the part (learn more here: https://www.slashfilm.com/848761/the-disturbing-way-ethan-hawke-accepted-his-black-phone-role/). Unlike characters like Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees, who can conceal themselves behind masks and stoic silence, The Grabber wears a mask but reveals a fully formed personality underneath—a real human monster. Freddy shares that trait, which made him stand out in the crowded slasher landscape of the '80s.
This owes a lot to Robert Englund's masterful portrayal of Freddy across most of the films (except the 2010 remake). Englund brought such vibrant, memorable charisma to the role that Freddy became a cultural phenomenon. In the same vein, The Grabber channels that energy, with Hawke chewing the scenery as a deranged murderer. For beginners in horror analysis, think of it like this: both villains aren't just faceless threats; they're complex, personality-driven figures that draw you in, making their terror feel personal and unforgettable.
The Grabber: A New Horror Icon, or Just Freddy's Echo?
Universal Pictures
So, let's get to the heart of it. Is The Grabber on track to be the next Freddy Krueger? Can Hawke's masked madman achieve what Englund's razor-gloved psychopath accomplished? In many ways, absolutely. Derrickson and Cargill shine by fleshing out The Grabber's backstory and granting him that post-death immortality, allowing his terror to persist. For example, this setup explores themes of unfinished business in the afterlife, adding layers that make him more than just a one-and-done villain—much like how Freddy's dream realm expanded his menace.
And this is the part most people miss: The Grabber isn't a carbon copy of Freddy. His body count is lower, his tactics differ, and the story wraps up without a cliffhanger or sequel-baiting twist—unlike Freddy's endless franchise potential. It's tough to imagine Hawke committing to this role for two decades, as Englund did. On one hand, the film nails a respectful tribute to Freddy while carving its own path. But on the other, it doesn't set the stage for Black Phone 2 to morph into the next Elm Street saga.
The reality is, Robert Englund likely won't reprise Freddy (as he shared here: https://www.slashfilm.com/1688708/horror-icon-robert-englund-never-play-freddy-krueger-again/), and the franchise remains on ice with no revival in sight. Yet, that void cries out to be filled. What's exciting—and perhaps divisive—is how Derrickson and Cargill crafted a fresh icon in The Grabber. Whether he appears in a third film or fades away doesn't diminish his status; he's cemented as a genre staple, inspired by one of the greats. After all, as the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Black Phone 2 is playing in theaters right now.
What do you think—does The Grabber truly step into Freddy's shoes, or is he just a pale imitation? Is it fair for new horror villains to borrow from classics like this, or should they strike out entirely original? Share your hot takes in the comments below; let's debate if homage helps or hinders the genre's evolution!
