One of the best interactive horror games of the past decade that made you want to wish that it was a movie instead if only so that you didn’t have to actively participate in it and just half-close your eyes for the jumpscares is finally getting the live-action adaptation that it rightfully deserves.
Sony Pictures has officially announced that a live-action adaptation of the 2015 video game, Until Dawn, is in the works, as initially reported by THR. The directorial reigns for this ambitious project based on Supermassive Games’ horror hit have been handed to David F. Sandberg, renowned for his work in the horror genre with films such as Lights Out and Annabelle: Creation, as well as his successful foray into the superhero world with Shazam! and its sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
Gary Dauberman, a notable figure in horror cinema with his involvement in series like It, Annabelle, and The Nun, is on board to refine the script initially penned by The Invitation’s Blair Butler.
This new adaptation marks yet another significant venture for Sony Pictures’ Screen Gems and PlayStation Productions as part of its ongoing efforts to transform its gaming IPs into major film and TV properties.
Until Dawn originally launched as a PlayStation 4 exclusive, immersing players in a chilling narrative-driven adventure. The game set players on a snowy mountain, controlling a group of eight young adults striving to survive through the night. It stood out for its branching story, where players’ choices directly impacted the characters’ fates, leading to a handful of possible endings. This format of the game mirrors the “choose-your-own-adventure” style, making its transition to a cinematic experience particularly intriguing.
The game’s popularity stemmed not only from its gripping gameplay but also from its use of real-life actors to portray its characters, including the likes of Hayden Panettiere, Jordan Fisher, and Oscar winner Rami Malek. While there’s no confirmation yet on whether any original cast members will reprise their roles in the film, the possibility adds an exciting dimension to the adaptation.
The live-action adaptation of Until Dawn joins a growing list of Sony’s video game-to-screen projects that now includes Uncharted, The Last of Us, Gran Turismo, and Twisted Metal. This is part of the increasing trend in the entertainment industry of bridging the gap between video games and movies/TV shows, as seen with adaptations like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Halo: The Series.
The announcement of Until Dawn’s film adaptation has undoubtedly raised expectations among fans of the game and the horror genre. The combination of Sandberg’s directorial skills and Dauberman’s writing expertise, coupled with the game’s already strong narrative foundation, sets the stage for a potentially gripping horror film. The film’s description as an “R-rated love letter to the horror genre” further hints at a faithful and intense adaptation of the game’s dark and suspenseful atmosphere.
As of now, a release date for Until Dawn has yet to be confirmed. However, the involvement of established names in the horror movie industry and the backing of major studios like Screen Gems and PlayStation Productions suggest that the adaptation could be a significant addition to the horror film genre and a new milestone in the crossover between video games and cinema.
If Sony does this right, there exists a treasure trove of cinematic horror video games that should translate just as well on the big screen.
After all, if the Friday Night at Freddy’s film can make bank at the global box office en route to securing a sequel, so can Supermassive Games’ literal anthology of horror titles, among others.
