Black Phone 2 Makes Strong Preview Showing
Black Phone 2 Makes Strong Preview Showing
Universal and Blumhouse’s horror sequel Black Phone 2 dialed up $2.6 million in Thursday night previews, signaling a promising start for a film that fans have eagerly awaited since the original’s breakout success[4]. This early performance puts the film on track for a potential $20 million to $30 million opening weekend, suggesting that the chilling story of Finn and Gwen, now older and facing fresh horrors from beyond the grave, still resonates with audiences seeking suspense and supernatural thrills[4]. The strong preview numbers reflect both the enduring appeal of the franchise and the effective marketing campaign that highlighted the return of Ethan Hawke as the sinister Grabber, as well as the deepening mystery surrounding the cursed black phone[2].
Sequel Expands the Story’s Dark Legacy
Directed by Scott Derrickson and co-written with C. Robert Cargill, Black Phone 2 picks up four years after the events of the first film, with Finn and Gwen confronting new supernatural threats tied to their family’s past[5]. The sequel expands the mythology while retaining the tense, character-driven horror that made the original a hit. Early reviews note that the film takes the consequences of its predecessor seriously, delivering both scares and emotional stakes[4]. As Black Phone 2 rings in its wide release on October 17, 2025, industry watchers will be watching to see if this strong preview start translates into sustained box office success—and whether the franchise has more chilling calls to make in the future[6].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Universal
**Universal Organizations: A Comprehensive Overview** There are several organizations named "Universal" that operate in the technology sector, each with distinct profiles and contributions to the IT industry. Here's a summary of two prominent ones: ### Universal Technologies **History and Services**: Universal Technologies, LLC, has been serving organizations for over 15 years, focusing on IT consulting and modernization. Headquartered in New York City with offices in Albany, they provide a wide range of services including IT support, software development, project management, and system administration. Their expertise spans data center architecture, virtual cloud architecture, and enterprise security[1][4]. **Key Achievements**: They have a strong track record of delivering measurable results to state and local government agencies and large organizations, integrating their staff seamlessly into clients' existing IT environments[4]. ### Universal Technology Solutions (Universal E-Business) **History and Services**: This company started as a small consulting group and has grown into a global organization specializing in customized technology solutions. They focus on strategy, planning, design, operations, and improvement across the IT lifecycle. With a diverse team of technologists and strong partnerships with leading tech providers, they help clients achieve business strategies through innovation[2][3][5]. **Key Achievements and Current Status**: Universal Technology Solutions operates with approximately 140 employees worldwide and has major clients in sectors such as financial services and healthcare. They offer customized solutions in cloud environments, network security, and mobile device management, positioning themselves as strategic partners for businesses[2][6]. **Notable Aspects**: Both organizations emphasize customization and strategic partnerships. Universal Technologies excels in integrating IT solutions for government agencies, while Universal Technology Solutions focuses on global, sector-specific solutions with a strong emphasis on innovation and client satisfaction.
Blumhouse
Blumhouse Productions is an American independent film and television production company, best known for its focus on horror films. Founded in 2000 by Jason Blum and Amy Israel, Blumhouse has become synonymous with innovative, low-budget horror that achieves significant commercial and critical success[1]. The company’s model emphasizes producing films on modest budgets, allowing for high returns on investment, a strategy that reshaped the horror genre’s business approach. Blumhouse’s portfolio includes iconic franchises such as *Paranormal Activity*, *Insidious*, *The Purge*, *Halloween* (2018–2022), and *Saw* (with recent talks to acquire full stakes), alongside critically acclaimed standalone films like *Get Out* and *Us* by Jordan Peele, as well as *Whiplash* and *BlacKkKlansman*, both of which received Academy Award nominations. Notably, *Get Out* and *BlacKkKlansman* won Oscars for Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay respectively, marking Blumhouse’s crossover success beyond horror into prestigious drama territory[1]. The company also collaborates with prominent directors such as James Wan, Mike Flanagan, Damien Chazelle, and M. Night Shyamalan, reflecting its commitment to diverse storytelling within genre boundaries[1]. Blumhouse operates mainly under a ten-year first-look deal with Universal Pictures, which distributes most of its theatrical releases since 2014[1]. However, 2025 has been a challenging year for Blumhouse, with numerous releases underperforming or outright failing at the box office, including *M3GAN 2.0*, *Wolf Man*, and *The Woman in the Yard*. This string of commercial disappointments has prompted serious internal discussions about strategy and future projects, as the studio faces pressure to maintain its profitability and relationship with Universal[2][3]. Despite these setbacks, upcoming sequel
