Full Breakdown
Madeleine McGraw Signs with UTA Amidst Rising Stardom
12/16/2025, 4:58:12 AM
Breakout Role in The Black Phone Franchise
Madeleine McGraw, recognized as one of the breakout stars from Universal and Blumhouse’s supernatural horror franchise, The Black Phone, has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA) for representation across all areas. Directed by Scott Derrickson, The Black Phone films are adaptations of a short story by Joe Hill from his collection, 20th Century Ghosts. In the first installment, McGraw portrays Gwen Shaw, a character who utilizes psychic dreams to assist her brother, Mason Thames, who is abducted by a masked serial killer, played by Ethan Hawke. The narrative unfolds as Gwen connects with the killer’s past victims through a disconnected phone, guiding her brother toward safety.
The sequel, The Black Phone 2, set years after the original, explores the resurfacing of trauma and visions as Gwen and her brother confront a new chapter involving the same killer, known as the Grabber. The franchise has achieved significant commercial success, with the first film grossing over $161 million worldwide and the sequel earning more than $132 million.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
McGraw's performance in The Black Phone has garnered critical acclaim, earning her the Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Supporting Performance and a nomination for a Saturn Award. Additionally, she received the Rising Star Award at CinemaCon 2025, highlighting her growing prominence in the film industry. Beyond The Black Phone franchise, McGraw has appeared in notable films such as Pacific Rim: Uprising, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and American Sniper. She also lent her voice to Bonnie in Toy Story 4 and has been a series regular on the television shows Outcast and Disney Channel’s Secrets of Sulphur Springs.
Official Statements & Responses
In light of her recent signing with UTA, McGraw expressed enthusiasm about the new chapter in her career, stating that she looks forward to exploring diverse roles and projects. UTA has a reputation for representing a wide array of talent, which aligns with McGraw's aspirations for growth in the entertainment industry.
Criticism & Opposition
While McGraw's rise has been met with widespread acclaim, some critics argue that the horror genre often typecasts young actors, potentially limiting their future opportunities. This perspective raises questions about the long-term impact of her breakout role on her career trajectory.
Verbatim Quotes
In conclusion, Madeleine McGraw's signing with UTA marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career, reflecting her success in The Black Phone franchise and her aspirations for future projects in the film and television industry.
