"Crazy" Backlash Led To Shazam Director's IP Movie Vow, But Until Dawn Script Changed His Mind

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Post on Apr 24, 2025

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"Crazy" Backlash Led to Shazam! Director's IP Movie Vow, But Until Dawn Script Changed His Mind

David F. Sandberg, the director behind the surprisingly successful Shazam! films, recently revealed a fascinating shift in his approach to filmmaking, triggered by a potent mix of fan reaction and a compelling script. Initially vowing to steer clear of established intellectual property (IP) after experiencing intense online criticism, Sandberg's perspective dramatically changed thanks to the script for Until Dawn, a video game adaptation he's now helming. This unexpected pivot highlights the complex relationship between creators, fans, and the pressures of navigating the Hollywood landscape.

The Fallout from Shazam! 2's Performance

Sandberg's initial vow to avoid IP projects stemmed from the less-than-stellar box office performance of Shazam! Fury of the Gods. While critically acclaimed by many, the film underperformed, leading to a significant online backlash. Sandberg candidly admitted this negative response, coupled with the intense scrutiny associated with directing big-budget IP films, led him to believe a retreat to original projects was the best course of action. He stated in a recent interview, “The online response to Shazam! 2 was… intense. It was a crazy experience. It made me question everything.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern among filmmakers about the potential pitfalls of working within established universes and the immense pressure to satisfy both studio expectations and demanding fanbases.

The Unexpected Allure of Until Dawn

However, the narrative landscape shifted dramatically when Sandberg encountered the script for the Until Dawn adaptation. The project, based on the popular interactive horror game, presented a unique challenge and creative opportunity that seemingly outweigh the risks associated with IP work. The script, he explained, offered a fresh and thrilling approach to the horror genre, allowing him to explore innovative storytelling techniques within a pre-existing framework. The interactive nature of the game, translating to complex narrative choices in the film, clearly appealed to Sandberg’s creative sensibilities.

Why Until Dawn Changed His Perspective

What specifically shifted Sandberg's mind? He highlighted several key aspects:

• Creative Control: The script offered sufficient creative freedom, allowing him to put his unique directorial stamp on the project without feeling overly constrained by pre-established canon.
• Narrative Complexity: The Until Dawn narrative presented a rich tapestry of characters and storylines, offering ample opportunities for suspense and thrilling character development.
• Genre Flexibility: The horror genre, a passion of Sandberg's, afforded him the chance to experiment with suspense, thrills, and visually captivating storytelling.

These elements collectively provided a compelling counterpoint to the negative experiences associated with his previous IP work. The project, instead of feeling like a restrictive obligation, presented itself as a creatively stimulating venture.

The Future of Sandberg's Career and the Implications for IP Adaptations

Sandberg's decision underscores the increasingly fluid nature of Hollywood's relationship with IP. The success or failure of an IP film often hinges on various factors, including marketing, audience expectations, and the director's ability to navigate the complexities of pre-existing narratives. While Sandberg's experience showcases the potential downsides of working within established universes, it also demonstrates that the right project, with the right script and creative freedom, can reignite a filmmaker's passion and lead to unexpected successes.

The upcoming Until Dawn adaptation will serve as a crucial test, not just for Sandberg's career trajectory, but also for the broader industry's approach to adapting video games and other established IPs to the big screen. The success or failure of this project may significantly influence how other directors and studios approach similar ventures in the future. The "crazy" backlash from Shazam! 2 may ultimately have inadvertently paved the way for a more nuanced and potentially successful foray into the world of IP adaptations.