Behind the Black Phone: A Conversation with Madeleine McGraw

By Simi Kaur Baidwan

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“Yes, I’ve never been more excited for anything in my entire life! I’m also nervous though at the same time. It’s a mix of emotions and everything. But I’m excited to see how everyone takes it - like how fans react to it. That’s usually my favorite part about seeing movies that I’m in or just movies in general - is getting everyone’s reactions to it. It’s just so much fun.”

- Madeleine McGraw

Just shy of 18-years old, Madeleine McGraw has dexterously conquered the horror film genre. McGraw’s standout role as Gwen in the critically acclaimed supernatural horror film “The Black Phone” brought her significant praise for her emotionally charged performance. Her role of Gwen, a young girl who begrudgingly inherits her late mother’s psychic visions uses her gifts to locate her brother’s abductor. The sequel Black Phone 2 is set to be released this October where the audience sees a much more mature and darker side to her character. “There was a moment while shooting Black Phone 2 where it was hard to take myself out of my character after filming a certain scene,’” shares McGraw. She inhabits sincerity and grit while discussing her career and future dream roles. Despite her growing career, family is at the forefront for McGraw who is in a rare position to work alongside her younger sister, Violet McGraw. They’ve collaborated on “The Curse of the Necklace” and an upcoming holiday action-comedy “High Stakes Holiday,” currently in production. Despite her success in horror, Madeleine aspires to explore romantic comedies, aiming to showcase her versatility as an actress. With a growing filmography and a passion for diversity on her resume, Madeleine McGraw is poised for a dynamic career ahead.

SIMI KAUR BAIDWAN: Madeleine, you’re about 18 years old, but you’ve been acting in Hollywood movies for about 10 years. You’ve reached your 10-year milestone, how does it feel?

MADELEINE MCGRAW: You know it’s kind of crazy because I never thought about that. But now that you mention it, that is pretty insane. It’s been a whirlwind for sure.

SKB: Reflecting back walk me through your journey into acting and modeling. What challenges did you face and what are some of your favorite lessons that you took away?

MM: My sister was doing a modeling job, and I asked my mom, “Can I try it?” Then I started modeling and I was doing headshots for a photographer in LA. He posted the headshots on his Facebook. And then a manager from LA saw it, and now I am where I am today. There have definitely been a lot of challenges. I’d say that I feel the hardest thing is when you get attached to a script, or an audition, or just a role in general. It’s hard when you try so hard at it and really commit yourself to the character. And then after all that work, “No, you weren’t right for it.” But I keep a positive mindset, and I always tell myself “What’s meant to be is meant to be.” I tell everyone that this is my advice for people that want to start acting, “When one door closes, another one opens. And when it’s your time, it’s your time and it’ll all work out.”

SKB: You have a few horror films under your belt. Tell me the real deal, what’s it like acting in a horror movie?

MM: I love when people ask me this question because everyone thinks that its terrifying to work on a horror film, which it’s usually not. And I say usually because there are moments when it gets creepy, but it is so much fun! Everyone on horror sets, they make it so much fun. And usually the actors too, we’re all laughing and making jokes in between takes. Even when we’re covered in blood or there’s monsters or ghosts or whatever, it’s so much fun. And I always have a great time filming them, especially when I get to work with my sister. Which I got to work with her in a horror film that I did and that was a crazy experience. They’re honestly really fun. Except sometimes when you get too in the moment. I have to remind myself that I’m acting and it’s not serious. It’s not real. None of this is actually happening.

SKB: Are you able to walk away from set and shake it off? And not carry the script or the plot with you while you’re shooting these movies?

MM: Usually, yes. Although there was a moment while shooting Black Phone 2 where it was hard to take myself out of my character after filming a certain scene. It was a lot to take in and that was the only time it stayed with me after set. But other than that, I’m usually able to shake it off.

SKB: “Black Phone 2“ is currently in the works and is set to release this year. How excited are you and what can you tell us about your role?

MM: I’ve never been more excited for anything in my entire life! I’m also nervous though at the same time. It’s a mix of emotions and everything. But I’m excited to see how everyone takes it - like how fans react to it. That’s usually my favorite part about seeing movies that I’m in or just movies in general - is getting everyone’s reactions to it. It’s just so much fun. And I don’t know if I can say too much about my character yet because nothing’s been released. She’s definitely grown a lot from the first movie. And she’s changed a lot as well. But that’s all I’m going to say. I don’t want to spoil it.

SKB: You’re reprising the same role as Gwen. I heard the Director has said that “The Black Phone” was a middle school coming-of-age and “Black Phone 2” is a high school coming-of-age. Are we going to see a much older version of Gwen?

MM: Yes, you’re going to see an older version of I guess a few of the characters. It is an older coming-of-age story. I’d say it’s also a bit darker as well. But yeah, I can’ wait to see how everyone reacts to everything.

SKB: What’s your experience been like working beside writers Scott Derrickson and Robert Cargill for these two movies?

MM: It’s been amazing. I literally love them so much. I’d say we’re all probably like family at this point since coming back and reuniting with Cargill and Scott. It was surreal and I just love catching up with them and talking to them. And then they teach me so much. I learn so much from just watching them work and being on set with them in general. And, you know, like every conversation I have with them, they tell me something new or I learned something new. It’s been a dream getting to work with them. And I honestly hope I get to continue to work with them more in the future. They’re like family.

SKB: It sounds like the creative juices are definitely flowing.

MM: They definitely are. And the thing that I love about the fact that I’ve gotten to work with both of them for so long is that, especially Scott being the Director - I feel like we can be really honest with each other whenever I’m in a scene. So, whenever he’s giving me advice or direction, I feel like we could be really honest and I can portray it into the scene.

SKB: Given that you have experience in both TV and film, do you have any dream projects or dream roles that you’re working towards?

MM: I guess I kind of do. My dream role would probably be an action hero or play an action star. I’ve always loved doing stunts since I was little. I used to want to be a stunt actor. So yeah, whenever I get to do my own stunts, I’m very, very, very excited about it. So probably an action star or I would love to do a rom-com because I feel that I do a lot of horror movies. So maybe switch it up a little bit.

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SKB: Are you by any chance a fan of Marvel?

MM: I love Marvel so much. It used to be a tradition in my family that whenever a new Marvel movie would come out, we would go and see it in theaters.

SKB: So, speaking of family, you’re in a rare situation where you, your twin brother, and your younger sister are all actors. What is that like for you and your siblings?

MM: It’s honestly awesome and I could not be more grateful for it because we all get to help each other out in so many different ways. And we all understand each other on a different level. Whenever one of us gets a script or the other person gets a script, we can always go over lines with each other. And you know, we’re all in the same industry and we’ve all been on sets before. So, if we think that they can say our lines a little differently or a little better - we’re just very open and honest with each other and give each other lots of advice.

SKB: It sounds like the ultimate support system.

MM: It really, really is. And me and my family, we’re like family first always and only. Whenever one of my sibling’s books something it’s a win for the whole family.

SKB: If you could give someone who’s in your position right now, a young 16, 17-year-old actress. What advice would you give her? What are some things that you wish that you could share with someone like that?

MM: Never give up. I know it’s typical advice, but it is so true. And it is so hard not to get that in your head in the industry. Because you’re going to hear “no” all the time. All the time. And it’s so hard because it hurts when you lose a role that you loved so much. So never give up even when you hear “no” all the time. Keep your real friends close to you. And once you find a real friend, just one, keep them with you throughout your entire journey. Because they were your real friend from the start, and you should never let go of them. And also, like I was saying earlier, “When one door closes, another one will open.” There are so many projects out there, just never lose hope, never give up.

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SKB: Do you feel like at this point or at a certain point, it’s just a numbers game?

MM: Yes, you never take any opportunity for granted. You take it all with as much heart as you have, give it your all no matter what. Any audition, any callback, any producer session, whatever. You always give it your all no matter what. You don’t know the kind of impact you left on a director, a producer, or a casting director. Honestly, just keep pushing, keep going. And eventually it will pay off. It could take one role to just blow up.

SKB: Lastly, besides “Black Phone 2,” are there any other projects in work for you right now?

MM: Yes, there are a few. Most of them I can’t talk about yet, but maybe soon. I’m going to film a fun Christmas movie with my sister. I’m just really happy that I get to work with my sister again which is going to be very exciting and fun.

SKB: Is that set to release this coming Christmas?

MM: Yes, definitely. And it’s going to be a fun movie. I can’t wait for people to see it.

SKB: The world needs more Christmas movies.

MM: They really do. More happy movies. Are you kidding?

SKB: Yes, I definitely agree.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity