LOS ANGELES (AP) — After the underperformance of his latest film, director David F. Sandberg announced his return to the horror genre, a promise he has now fulfilled. Sandberg is set to helm a feature adaptation of the popular interactive drama horror video game, “Until Dawn,” released in 2015.
According to industry sources, Sandberg will direct the movie for Screen Gems and PlayStation Productions, with acclaimed writer Gary Dauberman joining the project to work on the script. Dauberman, known for his work on horror films such as “Annabelle” and “The Nun,” will be revising the original screenplay by Blair Butler, who penned “The Invitation.”
Dauberman, who signed a first-look deal with Screen Gems and Sony last year, has an upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s “Salem’s Lot” in the pipeline. He is also working on a live-action version of the beloved 1980s animated series, “Gargoyles,” for Disney+.
Sandberg, along with his producing partner Lotta Losten, and producers Roy Lee, Asad Qizilbash, and Carter Swan, are set to bring “Until Dawn” to the big screen. The game, developed by Supermassive Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, revolves around eight young adults who must survive on Blackwood Mountain while being hunted by a mysterious killer and cannibalistic Wendigos. The game incorporates a butterfly effect system, where choices made by players can alter the story and determine the fate of the characters.
Although plot details for the film adaptation are being kept under wraps, Screen Gems has described it as “an R-rated love letter to the horror genre, centering on an ensemble cast.” The release date for the movie is yet to be announced.
“Until Dawn” features an impressive voice cast, including Hayden Panettiere, Rami Malek, Peter Stormare, and Brett Dalton, among others. The game’s success and popularity have generated much excitement and anticipation among fans, who are eager to see which actors will take on the lead roles in the film adaptation.
As fans anxiously await further updates on the “Until Dawn” movie, it remains to be seen whether Sandberg’s foray back into the horror genre will prove to be as successful as his previous ventures. For now, moviegoers can look forward to a terrifying and suspenseful journey from their favorite video game to the big screen.