If you’re a fan of Until Dawn, I’ve got some news that might be a bit of a disappointment: the beloved characters from the game likely won’t be making an appearance in the upcoming live-action film adaptation.
This April will mark a year since the adaptation was announced, and even though we haven’t seen a trailer yet, Sony did provide a bit of an update during their CES 2025 presentation. They had some exciting announcements, including a Helldivers 2 movie, a Horizon Zero Dawn film, a Ghost of Tsushima anime, and even a new manga app from Crunchyroll. But let’s talk Until Dawn. Screen Gems president Ashley Bucks shared some insights, revealing that the movie isn’t a direct copy of the game. Instead, director David F. Sandberg has captured the essence of what made the game great, incorporating key elements that resonate with fans while adding his unique touch.
Bucks elaborated, explaining that the film expands on the universe of Until Dawn by sticking with the core concept: a group of friends facing terrifying threats. This creates an entirely new narrative that is both visceral and scary. So, while you might not see your favorite game characters, other than potentially a few cameos, Peter Stormare does return. He reprises his role as Dr. Hill and expressed his excitement, noting the film’s dedication to the horror genre and its faithful homage to the game’s spirit.
Stormare also teased new characters and victims caught up in a fresh story full of surprises. And honestly, I’m optimistic about this approach. Straightforward adaptations often miss the mark, but by crafting an original storyline—like last year’s successful Fallout film did—it can breathe new life into the concept. So, even if it initially sounds disappointing, it might turn out to be the better choice.