Today, we delve into the fascinating story behind the movie adaptation of 'The Black Phone' by Joe Hill. This thrilling tale follows the journey of Finney Blake, a young boy held captive by a notorious kidnapper known as the Grabber. As the movie garnered success and acclaim, Hill reflects on his modest beginnings and the unexpected triumph of his story.
In 2004, Hill published the original short story of 'The Black Phone' before he gained widespread recognition as an author. Little did he know that years later, his story would catch the attention of filmmaker Scott Derrickson and his collaborator C. Robert Cargill, leading to its transformation into a feature film. The movie took audiences on a harrowing ride as Finney, portrayed by Mason Thames, communicated through a black phone with the Grabber's former victims, offering a lifeline in his dire circumstances.
Despite its humble origins and a relatively small budget, 'The Black Phone' proved to be a commercial triumph. Surpassing expectations, it earned over $100 million at the box office, leaving a lasting impact on moviegoers. Hill recently took to social media to express his gratitude to Derrickson for crafting 'such a scary and heartfelt film' out of his story.
One shocking revelation from Hill's retrospective musings is the meager payment he received for the original short story. In an unexpected turn of events, he divulged that he was only paid a mere $35 for his writing. It's astonishing to learn that a story which became a box office hit, captivating millions, started with such a nominal sum.
At the time of crafting 'The Black Phone,' Hill had aspirations of turning it into a full-fledged novel. However, plagued by self-doubt and prior unsuccessful attempts at novel writing, he decided to sell the story to his editor for $35. This act guaranteed publication, providing Hill with the confidence to build his writing career organically rather than capitalizing on the fame of his father, Stephen King.
The writing landscape acknowledges that short stories are not particularly lucrative, and Hill's experience with 'The Black Phone' exemplifies this reality. Nevertheless, he persisted and continued to produce remarkable short stories, gradually ascending in his literary journey. In 2007, he published his first novel, 'Heart-Shaped Box,' signaling a significant milestone in his career. Interestingly, it was also the year Joe Hill confirmed his identity as Joe Hillström King, the son of the prolific author Stephen King.
Even before his true identity became widely known, Hill successfully made a name for himself in the writing world. Notably, he received multiple Bram Stoker Awards, further solidifying his position as a talented and acclaimed writer. Hill's literary achievements extend beyond the pages, with notable adaptations of his works such as Netflix's 'Locke & Key,' 'Horns,' and 'NOS4A2.'
'The Black Phone' is a testament to the power of non-established writers and the untapped potential of short stories. Scott Derrickson's discovery of Hill's work, prior to uncovering his true identity, emphasizes the magnetic pull of a captivating tale. It's not everyday that a non-established horror writer's work catches the eye of a filmmaker or that a modestly budgeted horror film becomes a box office sensation. This success story reinforces the notion that big names and big budgets are not the sole ingredients for achieving greatness.
As 'The Black Phone' embarks on its journey to a sequel with 'The Black Phone 2' currently in development, we eagerly await further tales from Joe Hill. His literary prowess continues to captivate audiences both in print and on screen, leaving a lasting impression with each new creation.
In conclusion, the evolution of 'The Black Phone' from a humble short story to a successful movie serves as an inspirational reminder that dreams can manifest in unexpected ways. Joe Hill's journey reminds us that every writer, regardless of their background or previous failures, possesses the potential for greatness. So, if you find yourself captivated by a story, be it short or grand, take heart in the knowledge that its journey could be just beginning and bound for unprecedented success.
