Madeleine McGraw Celebrated as New Star of 2025 at CinemaCon
April 3, 2025 – Las Vegas, Nevada
A Rising Star in Hollywood
At just 16 years old, actress Madeleine McGraw has quickly made her mark in the film industry. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Gwen Shaw in the 2022 horror film The Black Phone, a production by Universal Pictures and Blumhouse that grossed $161.4 million worldwide. McGraw is set to reprise her role in the upcoming sequel, The Black Phone 2.
Recognition at CinemaCon
During the annual CinemaCon event on April 3, 2025, McGraw received the prestigious title of “New Star of 2025.” This recognition is part of a larger gathering where cinema owners and film executives converge to celebrate upcoming films and the future of the cinematic experience.
Reflecting on her character, McGraw described Gwen as “iconic,” noting her maturity beyond her years displayed throughout the film.
Future Projects and Expectations
McGraw is eager for audiences to see her expanded role in The Black Phone 2. The sequel, directed by Scott Derrickson and co-written with C. Robert Cargill, is set in the 1980s and promises to delve deeper into the narrative established in the first film. McGraw expressed her excitement upon reading the script:
“I was totally shocked. I’m so honored to have the part I have in the film. Writing the story that Scott & Cargill wrote for the second. I think people will just be surprised. Seriously, I’m very grateful to Scott & Cargill.”
The sequel is expected to bring fresh twists to the story and continue the terrifying legacy of The Grabber.
A Family of Talent
Notably, McGraw is part of a talented family—her younger sister, Violet McGraw, will also be making a name for herself, appearing in Blumhouse’s upcoming film, M3GAN, which releases on June 27, 2025.
The Importance of Cinemas
Regarding the current landscape of cinema attendance, McGraw remarked:
“It really means everything. I don’t know where the cinemas or people go to see the movies in theatres. A lot of people stopped going. We’re back to the theatre with their popcorn and watching it on the big screen.”
As she prepares for her next role, McGraw acknowledges the challenges sequels often face but believes that the innovative direction taken with The Black Phone 2 will keep audiences engaged.
