Director Reveals Why ‘Until Dawn’ Was Tougher Than His DCEU Blockbuster

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Director David F. Sandberg discusses in detail the reasons behind the challenge of creating the horror adaptation compared to the production of ‘Shazam!’ and its follow-up.

In conversation with Sandberg, someone asked about the intricate transformations and continuous updates during his time working on both DC’s Shazam! films, and if he was considering a return to horror after such a challenging period in his career. “Yes, but Until Dawn was a more complex film than any of the Shazam! productions,” Sandberg responded.

Sandberg emphasized that creating this film was extremely challenging due to its ambitious nature given the resources available at the time. However, his eagerness to return to horror films made it a fulfillment of a long-held dream. He relished the opportunity to deliver R-rated kills, gore, special effects, makeup, and monsters – elements he’s been eager to explore since childhood. Despite the challenges, this was truly a welcomed experience.

Until Dawn Has Critics Split

After his popular online short films, Sandberg achieved mainstream success in 2016 with “Lights Out,” a movie based on one of his earlier works. This was followed by directing “Annabelle: Creation” in 2017 and the “Shazam!” movies in 2019 and 2023. Now, Sandberg is venturing back into horror with “Until Dawn,” marking his first attempt at adapting a video game. The cast includes Ella Rubin, Michael Cimino, Odessa A’zion, Ji-young Yoo, Maia Mitchell, Belmont Cameli, and Peter Stormare, who was in the original game. As of now, following its release on April 25 and preview screenings, “Until Dawn” has received a “Fresh” rating of 60% on Rotten Tomatoes.

In contrast to the original game, which followed typical slasher-horror patterns, the Until Dawn film aims to break the mold by placing its main characters within a deadly time loop. However, despite taking the storyline in a new direction, Dr. Hill, portrayed by Stormare, will continue to hold significant importance in the movie, as confirmed by Dauberman. “He’s the same Dr. Hill from the game,” Dauberman shared, though he refrained from divulging specific details about his role without spoiling key plot points. In essence, while the storyline may differ, Dr. Hill’s significance in the film remains as crucial as it was in the game.

Until Dawn is in theaters now.

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2025-04-28 01:10