This unprecedented move not only marks a strategic expansion of Universal’s audience outreach in Southeast Asia, but also affirms the growing importance of Vietnamese moviegoers in the global cinema landscape.

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Actor Quoc Truong has been named Vietnam’s first official Hollywood film ambassador for The Black Phone 2.

Born in 1988, Quoc Truong is a familiar face to Vietnamese audiences. He began his career as a model before transitioning to acting in 2008, gradually gaining recognition through popular VTV dramas, most notably Go home, my dear.

Not confined to television, Quoc Truong has also proven his versatility on the big screen, particularly in horror films such as The Eyes of Darkness, Ut Lan, and Sweet Trap, where he played a villain, as well as more recent roles in The Anonymous and Pick you up when you fall, where he portrayed more heroic characters.

Having portrayed numerous emotionally dark and intense roles, the actor has developed a strong connection to the horror genre.

Quoc Truong shared that horror films captivate audiences by tapping into fear and curiosity, offering emotional catharsis through stories of inner strength and survival.

"What fascinates me about horror is that behind the fear lies the human journey – where fear is overcome by courage and hope," he said.

In his new role as film ambassador, Quoc Truong will accompany the marketing campaign for The Black Phone 2, participate in promotional events, and share his personal perspectives on the themes and messages of the film.

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A scene from The Black Phone 2.

Returning for its second installment, The Black Phone 2 continues the chilling story of The Grabber, a menacing serial killer with unfinished business involving Finney (played by Mason Thames) and his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw).

This time, The Grabber uses the mysterious black phone to communicate from the afterlife – now haunting Gwen through terrifying nightmares.

Directed by Scott Derrickson and co-written with C. Robert Cargill, the sequel builds upon Joe Hill’s original short story and further expands its cinematic universe.

The film features an impressive cast, including four-time Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke, rising star Mason Thames (How to Train Your Dragon), horror’s breakout actress Madeleine McGraw, Oscar nominee Demian Bichir (The Nun, A Better Life), Arianna Rivas (A Working Man), and Jeremy Davies returning as Terrence – the troubled father of Finn and Gwen.

Two new characters will also debut in this installment: Maev Beaty (Beau Is Afraid) and Graham Abbey (Under the Banner of Heaven).

The Black Phone 2 will premiere in theaters on October 31, 2025, with special early screenings starting at 7 p.m. on October 24, 2025.

Huyen My