Ethan Hawke Reveals He's Teaming Up With Scott Derrickson On A New Horror Movie After 'black Phone 2'

Actor Ethan Hawke has revealed that he is once again collaborating with director Scott Derrickson on an upcoming horror project. The disclosure came during a recent interview with Polygon, where Hawke was promoting his upcoming Depression-era thriller, The Weight. When asked about his interest in returning to the horror genre, Hawke confirmed that he and Derrickson are actively developing a new project together, expressing high praise for the director's talents and noting their strong working relationship.

This upcoming project will mark the latest collaboration between Hawke and Derrickson, who have established a successful track record in the horror genre. The duo first teamed up for the 2012 film Sinister, which starred Hawke as a true-crime writer who uncovers a series of disturbing family murders. They reunited nearly a decade later for the 2021 hit film The Black Phone, in which Hawke portrayed the villainous kidnapper known as the Grabber. Derrickson also returned to direct the franchise's 2025 sequel, Black Phone 2.

While Hawke confirmed the active collaboration, he did not provide specific details regarding the plot, title, or nature of the project. This lack of detail has prompted speculation about whether the duo is planning to expand on one of their existing horror properties or if they are crafting an entirely original story. Both paths present intriguing possibilities for fans of their previous cinematic collaborations.

One possibility is the development of a third installment in The Black Phone franchise. The second film, Black Phone 2, brought Hawke's character back and expanded the supernatural lore of the series, receiving positive feedback from critics. However, future plans for the franchise remain uncertain. During the premiere of the second film, Derrickson and co-writer C. Robert Cargill indicated they had not yet discussed a third movie, with Cargill emphasizing that any potential return to those characters would require a highly compelling concept.

Another potential avenue is a return to the world of Sinister. Although Hawke starred in the original 2012 film, his character did not return for the 2015 sequel, Sinister 2, which was directed by Ciarán Foy. The sequel struggled to replicate the critical success of the original, earning a low 14% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. A revival of the franchise with both Derrickson and Hawke back at the helm could serve as a major draw for fans of the original cult classic.

Alternatively, the creative partners may be developing an entirely new intellectual property. Given their history of creating distinct horror narratives, a fresh concept would allow them to explore new thematic territory without the constraints of existing franchise continuity. For now, audiences will have to wait for official announcements regarding the project's direction, while Hawke's next film, The Weight, is scheduled to arrive in theaters on September 18.