Mason Thames talks ‘The Black Phone 2’, Ethan Hawke, and why he loves getting scared

Mason Thames, the 18-year-old Hollywood actor, has quickly made a name for himself in the industry, particularly through his breakout role in Scott Derrickson’s 2021 horror hit, *The Black Phone*. Now, Thames is set to reprise his role as Finney in the highly anticipated sequel, *The Black Phone 2*. In a recent interview, Thames shared insights into the emotional and psychological depth of the sequel, his experience reuniting with director Scott Derrickson and co-star Ethan Hawke, and his passion for the horror genre. Thames revealed that the sequel delves deeper into Finney’s trauma and emotional scars, offering a more complex and evolved version of the character. He expressed his excitement about revisiting Finney and his sister Gwen, as well as the challenge of portraying a character dealing with PTSD and unresolved anger. Thames also praised Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of the terrifying Grabber, describing it as both inspiring and chilling. The actor emphasized the heart and humanity that underpin the horror of *The Black Phone 2*, a quality he believes will resonate with audiences. Thames hopes that fans of the original film will find the sequel even more compelling and emotionally impactful.