In an interview with Vanity Fair, Hill explained that, although his story drew inspiration from real serial killers of the era, The Black Phone is not based on any actual case.

Was The Black Phone Based on a true story?

It's as if people need this one to be true. No matter how many times we confirm it was actually based on a fiction story written by Joe Hill, people will still wonder if Hill took something from life itself. As wicked as his father sounds, we can't imagine he went through something like this.

Is it based on a true story?

Answer and Explanation: No, Stephen King's It is not based on a true story. King had the idea for It when looking at an old wooden walking bridge in 1978 near his home in Boulder, Colorado.

Who is the killer Based on a True Story?

In the show, Bateman plays Matt, also known as the Westside Ripper, a fictional serial killer in Los Angeles.

What's the movie true story about?

convicted murderer Christian Longo in True Story. The film was based on a memoir by former New York Times reporter Michael Finkel (Jonah Hill), who formed a strange bond with Longo after the killer assumed his identity while attempting to evade arrest.

The Real Story That Influenced The Black Phone

What killer inspired The Black Phone?

The villain in Hill's original story was patterned after serial killer John Wayne Gacy, who raped, tortured, and murdered at least 33 young men and boys in the 1960s and '70s.

What did The Grabber do to his victims?

For reasons unknown, the Grabber abducts young boys and imprisons them in his basement unbeknownst to his brother. He would eventually kill the boys and bury the bodies in a house across the street. He had killed a total of 5 children, with Finney Blake's friends Bruce and Robin being his latest victims.

Why does The Grabber wear a mask?

While his mask is important to his identity, it doesn't exist to conceal it from others. Instead, The Grabber employs the mask as a sort of theater — the different Grabber mask variations each represent characters in a show he's putting on for himself and his victims.

Why did The Grabber only take boys?

He became traumatized and started to deny them. He kidnaps boys and plays the "Naughty boy game", because that's what his father did to him. He wants to release all that pent up rage and resentment he has towards his father, upon his victims. That's his origin story.

Why could Finney hear the phone?

This could mean that it is only a figment of his — and Finney's — imagination. Finney hears the phone ring and uses it as a coping mechanism to deal with his overbearing feelings of isolation and desperation.

Is there going to be a Black Phone 2?

The Black Phone 2 Release Date Has Been Revealed

The latest news on The Black Phone 2 arrived on October 27, 2023. Blumhouse and Universal gave an update on the sequel to The Black Phone, confirming that the sequel is in development and pegged for a June 2025 release date (via Deadline).

Why was Robin walking towards The Grabber?

On November 9, 1978, Robin was walking past an establishment, (presumably to get snacks for himself and Finney since he was scheduled to tutor Robin with math.) when a black van was waiting for him. The Grabber is seen exiting the van.

What kids did The Grabber take?

Why did The Grabber call Finney Johnny?

The Grabber's first name is John. Shortly after kidnapping Finney, whilst telling him he won't hurt him any further, the Grabber calls him "Johnny" ("You don't have to be scared, because nothing bad is going to happen here. On that I give my word, Johnny.").

Is The Grabber a child molestor?

Ethan Hawke stars as a child molester called 'The Grabber'.

Was Robin supposed to live in The Black Phone?

That wasn't the original plan — and the young actor who plays Robin had already flown home. “In the script, Robin wasn't in the room. It was just a phone call,” Derrickson explains.

What is the mask from The Black Phone based on?

"It was the hockey mask from Jason, it was the vampire from Salem's Lot. They were Covid masks for the fans, who were probably going to wear masks anyway, and they wanted to wear creepy ones. So [Derrickson and Turek] probably saw that." Savini came up with an initial design for the mask, which met with approval.

What does Finny say at the end of the black phone?

That is why when his crush calls him "Finney" in the closing scene, he confidently corrects her and says, "Call me Finn." Doing so brings symbolic closure to his coming-of-age catharsis and proves that he has finally "slain the dragon and saved the princess."

What did The Grabber do to Bruce?

Bruce was born in the United States and was raised by a Japanese born father, Mr. Yamada, and mother. At some point, he moved to North Denver, USA. as a child, he developed his love of baseball and his bond with his parents, before being kidnapped and murdered by The Grabber.

What did The Grabber do to Vance Hopper?

Death. At some point during the film, Vance ends up encountering The Grabber, who abducts him. After Vance tries and fails to escape by smashing a hole in the basement wall, the Grabber kills him offscreen.

How did Griffin get kidnapped in The Black Phone?

Griffin (Banks Repeta) is the second victim to contact Finney and it is revealed that he was a paperboy who was taken by The Grabber while working his route.

What does Robin say to The Grabber?

Robin : I can't kill you, you hijo de puta, so Finn is gonna do it for me! Bruce : Finn's arm is MINT!

What year is The Black Phone set in?

Plot. In 1978, a serial child abductor and murderer nicknamed "The Grabber" prowls the streets of a Denver suburb. Siblings Finney and Gwen Blake live in the area with their abusive, alcoholic father. At school, Finney is frequently bullied and harassed.

How old was Gwen in The Black Phone?

And this nine year old girl, Gwen, who I think is an older sister and not much dealt with in the short story, becomes really the soul of the movie.”

Does The Black Phone have a sad ending?

The Black Phone ends with Finney in school chatting with the girl he likes. It's a satisfying horror movie ending that ties up every loose end and is also incredibly emotional. After what he has been through, Finney definitely deserves a happy ending, and it's great to see him finding more confidence.