One of the most anticipated adaptations of a video game into film is making significant strides. The upcoming movie, Until Dawn, has steadily moved forward since its announcement earlier this year in January. Casting for the film, which is based on the acclaimed 2015 horror video game, was completed in June and August, featuring talents such as Ella Rubin, Ji-young Yoo, Michael Cimino, Maia Mitchell, and Peter Stormare. Notably, Stormare will reprise his character as Dr. Alan J. Hill, a role he played in the original video game.
Now, just nine months post-announcement, the filming for Until Dawn has officially concluded. Director David F. Sandberg shared this exciting news via his Instagram account, stating, “We made it until dawn! That’s a wrap on #UntilDawnMovie.” He accompanied this announcement with a photo of himself holding the film slate in front of a mirror splattered with blood.
The director’s post came just three months after filming began in Budapest in August. Although a release date has not been announced yet, this development suggests that the film could potentially hit theaters next year.
Until Dawn signifies Sandberg’s long-anticipated return to the horror genre. He initially broke into Hollywood with mid-budget horror films such as 2016’s Lights Out and 2017’s Annabelle: Creation. Afterward, he transitioned to the superhero genre, directing 2019’s Shazam! and its sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, the latter of which was released in March 2023 to disappointing reviews and box office performance.
The screenplay for Until Dawn is penned by Gary Dauberman, who directed Salem’s Lot and wrote Annabelle: Creation. Produced by Sony’s Screen Gems and PlayStation Productions, Sandberg previously shared with The Hollywood Reporter that the film aims to delve into “the many great subgenres of horror.”
Based on Sandberg’s latest stills from behind the scenes, it appears the upcoming adaptation is likely to capture the bloody and visceral elements of the original game. Fans of Until Dawn will eagerly anticipate how effectively the film can replicate the game’s unique interactive storytelling, which leads to various outcomes depending on the players’ choices and actions.