David F. Sandberg is making his return to horror. The filmmaker, whose credits include Lights Out and Annabelle: Creation, has been tapped to direct an adaptation of the PlayStation video game Until Dawn. This, according to the folks at The Hollywood Reporter, with the outlet revealing that the project is in development at Sony Pictures through its Screen Gems division, with PlayStation Productions also getting in on the action.
It turns out Sandberg isn’t the only horror hit-maker on board either as Gary Dauberman (It, Annabelle Comes Home) is set to produce the film and take a pass at the screenplay. Blair Butler (The Invitation) penned the previous draft. This makes sense, given that Dauberman signed a deal with Screen Gems last year, with the hope being that he could help the label increase its genre output. Sandberg, Lotta Losten, Roy Lee, Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan are also on board as producers.
Until Dawn was first released in 2015. The game was very well reviewed and became a best-seller in its day. For those who may not be familiar, PlayStation’s official description of the game reads as follows:
“Eight friends are trapped together on a remote mountain retreat, and they aren’t alone. Gripped by dread, with tensions running high, they must fight through their fear if they all hope to make it through the night in one piece. Play as each of the eight characters and experience fear like you never have before. Every decision you make in your terrifying search for answers could mean the difference between life and death, but for whom? Your actions alone will decide who survives Until Dawn.”
Sony isn’t saying much about the plot of the film just yet but it is being described as “an R-rated love letter to the horror genre, centering on an ensemble cast.” Given the premise, that makes sense. The tricky part for Sandberg and Dauberman is taking this very interactive experience and making a satisfying narrative out of it. But video game movies have come a long way and these filmmakers for more than up to the task.
Sandberg has spent the last handful of years in the big-budget superhero realm, having directed 2019’s DC comic book film Shazam! as well as its sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, which hit theaters last year. After a handful of years in the blockbuster arena, Sandberg decided that it was time to return to his horror roots.
The Until Dawn movie does not currently have a release date.
