Directors Defend ‘Until Dawn’ Movie Changes: It’s a Sequel, Not a Retelling!

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Summary

  • The Until Dawn film is a sequel to the game, not a retelling, in the same universe.
  • Directors defend changes, noting that the film can be enjoyed without playing the game.
  • Potential for film to bridge to future game sequels, teasing connections and continuation.

The eagerly awaited movie version of Sony’s terrifying horror series, “Until Dawn,” has sparked much discussion among fans. However, not everyone is fully convinced that this adaptation stays true enough to the original content.

The horror game, “Until Dawn,” is structured around a group of teenagers who find themselves in a secluded cabin amidst snowy landscapes. However, viewers have pointed out that the characters and monsters depicted in the trailer for this movie seem significantly different. Although it shares some visual similarities with the game, the narrative and premise appear to be largely distinct from the original.

In a recent Reddit AMA session, I had the chance to engage with fans about our upcoming project, “Until Dawn.” Director David F. Sandberg and writer/producer Gary Dauberman provided some insight into fan concerns while also offering tantalizing tidbits of information. Sandberg hinted that the film is not a direct retelling of the game’s storyline, but rather an in-universe continuation: “The movie serves as a sequel to the game, and that’s why it deviates from the original narrative.

Sandberg directly acknowledged the disconnection between the movie and the game by saying, “The reason this film doesn’t relate at all to the game is because…

From a dedicated cinephile standpoint: “This cinematic experience is set within the same universe as the game, but fear not if you haven’t played it yet! While it could be considered a sequel, it’s one that doesn’t require prior knowledge to appreciate. However, for those who have experienced the original, there are delightful connections woven throughout. In essence, I found this approach more captivating since it expands on the movie-like qualities of the game, offering a fresh perspective instead of a scaled-down, recast replica of what’s already been brought to life.

User’s question: “Why do you stray so much from the original game when movies that closely follow the source material have been more successful critically and financially?”

“I respectfully disagree with your perspective… We approached the game as part of the overall horror franchise, not as a standalone entity.

The Creative Team Behind Until Dawn Is Hoping For More Installments In The Franchise

Dauberman and Sandberg hinted at the possibility of a follow-up video game, suggesting that their film could pave the way for new tales within the same universe. Dauberman expressed his desire to see these villains reappear in future games by saying, “I’d be thrilled if some of these villains resurfaced in a future installment.” Later, he further explained Sandberg’s thoughts individually, stating, “The initial game is like Part 1, the movie is Part 2. If another game is made (please let it happen), that would be Part 3… Ideally, Hill would tie all parts together.”

So far, only Dr. Hill – played by Peter Stormare – has been revealed as a common character in both the game and the upcoming movie. Mark Dauberman, who is involved with the project, confirmed that this Dr. Hill is indeed the same character from the game and his role will be just as significant as before. This suggests that Dr. Hill may have some influence or knowledge about how the story develops again. It’s uncertain whether the movie will follow the same timeline as the game or which of the game’s various endings will be considered canon, but fans can expect plenty of references and hidden nods to keep them on their toes.

As a horror enthusiast and movie reviewer, I must share that the director’s creative vision for “Until Dawn” was significantly influenced by three chilling masterpieces: “The Descent”, “Evil Dead”, and “Halloween”. With an impressive resume spanning from “Annabelle: Creation” to “Shazam!” and its sequel, Director Sandberg has proven his knack for both the horror genre and big-name franchises.

Notably, he’s previously collaborated with screenwriter Gary Dauberman on the “Annabelle” series, and Dauberman’s other works include the hit movie “It” and the 2019 “Swamp Thing” series. With the recent success of video game adaptations, the anticipation for “Until Dawn” is high. The question remains: Can Sony maintain their winning streak, as we eagerly await the second season of the critically acclaimed “The Last of Us”?

The horror game “Until Dawn” is set to premiere on April 25th at cinemas. Although whispers about a potential sequel to the initial game have been circulating, eager fans can delve into the first installment of the tale right now, thanks to its recently launched remastered version available on PlayStation 5 and PC.

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2025-04-12 17:45