Summary
The Black Phone Director Scott Derrickson discloses an interesting fact about Ethan Hawke's character, The Grabber. Contrary to initial plans, Hawke's character was not intended to possess a muscular physique. However, Hawke surprised the team by appearing in superb physical condition for the role.
Hawke initially hesitated to portray a villainous character, but he eventually embraced the role after thoroughly examining the script and leaving Derrickson a voicemail in his unsettling Grabber voice. The triumph of The Black Phone has ignited conversations about a potential sequel, leaving fans curious about The Grabber's potential return. Hawke's portrayal of the legendary horror villain is incredibly memorable.
Director Scott Derrickson has revealed the origins of a surprising element of Ethan Hawke's character, The Grabber, in The Black Phone. Derrickson, widely recognized for his successful horror films like Sinister and The Exorcism of Emily Rose, collaborated once again with screenwriter C. Robert Cargill to transport audiences into the chilling world of The Black Phone. The film was enthusiastically received by viewers, generating a remarkable worldwide box office revenue of $161 million (via Box Office Mojo).
Set in the 1970s, the movie features Hawke in the role of the serial killer, The Grabber. He is joined by an outstanding young cast that includes Mason Thames as Finney Shaw, the protagonist of The Black Phone. The story revolves around Finney's desperate attempts to escape The Grabber's basement, where he discovers a disconnected phone mounted on the wall through which he can communicate with the spirits of the killer's previous victims. Hawke's portrayal of The Grabber has received unanimous acclaim from critics. In an interview, Derrickson discussed how Hawke contributed to the development of this horrifying character.
Ethan Hawke Was "Jacked" In The Black Phone
In a recent interview with CBR, Derrickson discussed his approach to The Black Phone and revealed the origin of an interesting element involving The Grabber. When asked how Derrickson persuaded Hawke to portray the "jacked" serial killer, it turns out that the director didn't actually request Hawke to bulk up for the role. Surprisingly, it was Hawke himself who proposed the idea of showcasing his well-toned physique, mentioning that he was open to having a shirtless moment in the film due to his impressive fitness level. Derrickson enthusiastically agreed and suggested a specific scene in the kitchen where Hawke's character would appear shirtless, further enhancing the authenticity of the character. It appears that Hawke had achieved this physique while preparing for his role in The Northman, which he had recently filmed.
Hawke Almost Didn't Play The Grabber Because He's A Villain
Surprisingly, despite Hawke's enthusiasm to bring a new physicality to the role, Derrickson has previously disclosed that the actor had some initial hesitations about portraying the Grabber. Hawke admitted that he typically doesn't lean towards playing villainous characters, but after reading the script, he left Derrickson a voicemail in his eerie Grabber voice to confirm his involvement in the film. In the end, Hawke's dedication paid off as the villain's imposing size became a crucial aspect of the Grabber's menacing persona. With The Black Phone achieving significant success at the box office, talks about a possible sequel have swiftly emerged, although The Black Phone 2 has yet to be confirmed.
The kitchen scene Derrickson mentioned stands out as one of the most thrilling moments in The Black Phone, and it's intriguing to discover that Hawke's remarkable physique wasn't originally intended for it. As The Black Phone concluded with the satisfying demise of Hawke's killer, discussions about a sequel have left many wondering if there will be a place for the Grabber to make a return if the sequel is given the go-ahead. However, it's safe to say that Ethan Hawke's performance in The Black Phone is truly unforgettable, firmly establishing the Grabber as one of the renowned horror villains in cinematic history.
Source: CBR