As director David F. Sandberg prepares for the theatrical release of his latest film, Until Dawn, a unique horror experience is set to captivate audiences. This film, based on the popular Sony PlayStation game of the same name, is scheduled to hit theaters on April 25, 2025, and brings together a talented cast and a gripping narrative that promises to thrill fans of the genre.
In Until Dawn, a group of young friends, led by Clover, portrayed by Ella Rubin, embark on a harrowing journey to find Clover's missing sister, Mel (played by Maia Mitchell). Their quest takes them to a mysterious mansion, where they find themselves trapped in a deadly time loop. Each time they die, the night resets, forcing them to confront terrifying threats including masked killers and supernatural creatures like witches and wendigos.
Sandberg, who previously directed the Shazam! films, initially swore off working on intellectual property (IP) films after facing backlash from fans following Shazam! 2. He received death threats and felt that the intense scrutiny from fans made the experience unbearable. "Fans can get very, very crazy and very angry with you," he remarked in an interview with GamesRadar+. "After Shazam 2, I was like, 'I never wanna do another IP-based movie because it's just not worth it.'" However, upon reading the script for Until Dawn, he was instantly intrigued, stating, "This would be so much fun to do."
The film's narrative is structured around a time loop, a concept that Sandberg found brilliant. It allows the characters to make different decisions each time they relive the night, echoing the gameplay experience of the original video game. Sandberg explained, "I really thought it was brilliant of the writers to come up with this time loop idea where the night starts over because then you do kind of get that feel of the game, when you're replaying it and making different choices."
In addition to Rubin and Mitchell, the film features a strong ensemble cast including Odessa A’zion, Michael Cimino, Ji-young Yoo, Belmont Cameli, and Peter Stormare, who reprises his role as Dr. Hill from the game. The movie promises to deliver a mix of slasher and supernatural horror elements, with Sandberg aiming to create a love letter to the genre.
Filming presented significant challenges, particularly in managing the gore and bloodshed that the narrative demands. Sandberg shared, "There were a lot of technical challenges. Like, the amount of clothes... the same set of clothes." For Clover’s outfit alone, the costume department had to create around 90 sets due to the various stages of the character's journey. The director also revealed that the most violent scenes were shot at the end of production to avoid damaging the set too early. "The bathroom scene where it gets very bloody? That, we had to shoot last because we just completely destroyed the set. There was blood everywhere," he laughed.
Sandberg's commitment to authenticity extends to his creative decisions. He expressed a desire to avoid simply recreating the game, which he felt would lead to inevitable criticism. "I think we would've gotten a lot of critique if we had tried to recreate the game because people would've been like, 'It's not as good. It's not the same actors.' You wouldn't be able to better the game, so you'd just be in a losing situation," he explained.
As the release date approaches, excitement is building not only for the film but also for a unique promotional event. In eight major cities across the United States—Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Seattle, and Washington D.C.—a contest invites fans to participate in a twelve-hour marathon of watching Until Dawn from 7 PM to 7 AM. Participants must stay awake, avoid using cell phones, and refrain from taking bathroom breaks, with any rule violation resulting in disqualification. While the details of the prize remain undisclosed, it is rumored to be something that offers a lifetime of pride.
The film's premise revolves around Clover and her friends racing against time to solve the mystery of the night that resets every time they die. With only thirteen days to unravel the enigma, the stakes are high, and the tension is palpable. As they navigate the horrors that await them, viewers can expect a blend of suspense, action, and emotional depth that has become a hallmark of Sandberg's work.
With its innovative storytelling and a fresh take on the horror genre, Until Dawn aims to resonate with both fans of the original game and newcomers alike. As the release date draws near, audiences are eager to see how Sandberg and his team have brought this chilling narrative to life.
In the midst of the film's impending release, Sandberg's journey from the backlash of Shazam! to embracing a new IP reflects the unpredictable nature of filmmaking in today's landscape. As he steps back into the world of adaptations, the anticipation surrounding Until Dawn serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of horror films and the innovative storytelling that can emerge from beloved game franchises.
