Renowned filmmaker David F. Sandberg, recognized for his work on “Annabelle: Creation,” “Shazam!,” and “Lights Out,” is gearing up to direct the highly anticipated film adaptation of the popular PlayStation horror video game, “Until Dawn.” This project, a collaboration between Screen Gems and PlayStation Productions, is generating excitement among horror enthusiasts.
Gary Dauberman, the screenwriter behind “It: Chapter Two” and “The Nun,” is currently fine-tuning the script, originally penned by Blair Butler, known for “The Invitation.” While the specifics of the plot are being kept under wraps, the film is described as an “R-rated and terrifying love letter to the horror genre.”
The video game “Until Dawn” revolves around eight friends trapped on a remote mountain retreat who soon realize they are not alone. As they grapple with dread and fear, their survival becomes a nightmarish challenge. The game, featuring motion-capture versions of actors like Rami Malek and Hayden Panettiere, earned a spot in Variety’s 2021 list of games deserving movie adaptations.
Under his first look deal with Screen Gems and Sony, Gary Dauberman is producing the film through his Coin Operated banner. Joining him in the production are David F. Sandberg and Lotta Losten via Mångata, Roy Lee from Vertigo Entertainment, and Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan from PlayStation Productions.
Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, Qizilbash, the head of PlayStation Productions and head of product for PlayStation Studios at Sony Interactive Entertainment, stated, “As our partnership with Sony Pictures continues to grow, we’re thrilled to be working on our first movie with Screen Gems. Until Dawn is a fan favorite PlayStation game that we can’t wait to bring to the big screen.”
Screen Gems executives Ashley Brucks and Michael Bitar are overseeing the project for the studio, while Dan Primozic of Screen Gems facilitated the acquisition of the rights and played a key role in finalizing the deal for this exciting package.
David F. Sandberg is represented by CAA, The Gotham Group, Narrative, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner & Klein. Blair Butler is represented by Industry Entertainment, CAA, and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Adler, Feldman & Clark. Gary Dauberman is represented by CAA, Industry Entertainment, and Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson McGinnis Ryan. Roy Lee is represented by CAA and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher.
