From Game To Screen: Sandberg And Dauberman On Adapting Until Dawn

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Post on Apr 25, 2025

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From Game to Screen: Sandberg and Dauberman on Adapting Until Dawn

The hit PlayStation exclusive Until Dawn is finally making its way to the small screen, and the creative minds behind the adaptation have revealed some exciting insights into the process.

Fans of the critically acclaimed interactive thriller Until Dawn have long clamored for a film or series adaptation. The game's gripping narrative, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay captivated audiences, leaving many wanting more. Now, with a Netflix series adaptation in the works, led by producer James Wan and helmed by showrunners Graham Sandberg and David J.S. Dauberman (known for their work on It and The Nun), the dream is becoming a reality. But translating the unique experience of Until Dawn's branching narrative and player choices to a linear screen format presents a formidable challenge.

Navigating the Butterfly Effect: Adapting Interactive Storytelling

One of the biggest hurdles in adapting Until Dawn was replicating its core mechanic: the butterfly effect. In the game, player choices dramatically alter the story's trajectory, leading to multiple endings and a high replayability factor. Sandberg and Dauberman explain that they are tackling this by:

• Creating an overarching narrative: While individual character arcs might diverge, the central mystery and overarching threat will remain consistent, providing a compelling throughline for viewers.
• Exploring multiple perspectives: The series will delve deeper into the backstories of each character, offering insight into their motivations and relationships, enriching the narrative even without the interactive element.
• Utilizing flashbacks and foreshadowing: To hint at the consequences of key decisions, the series will employ flashbacks and subtle foreshadowing, allowing viewers to engage with the "butterfly effect" in a passive, yet still impactful way.

"The beauty of Until Dawn is the suspense and the ‘what ifs’," Dauberman commented in a recent interview. "We're aiming to capture that essence, maintaining the suspense and creating a satisfying, cohesive narrative despite the absence of player choice."

Honoring the Source Material While Forging a New Path

Sandberg emphasizes the importance of staying true to the spirit of the original game while simultaneously creating a compelling television experience. "We're not just rehashing the game," he stated. "We're expanding upon the lore, developing existing characters, and introducing new ones to deepen the mystery and create a richer, more complex narrative."

Key Themes and Character Development:

The adaptation promises to delve deeper into the psychological aspects of the story, exploring themes of:

• Trauma and its effects: The characters' past traumas and their impact on their present actions will be a key focus.
• Friendship and betrayal: The complex relationships between the teenagers will be explored in greater detail.
• The nature of fear and survival: The show will aim to heighten the suspense and create a genuinely terrifying atmosphere.

The series will also introduce new characters, expanding upon the already rich cast and weaving a more intricate web of suspense and intrigue. This approach allows for both seasoned fans and newcomers to appreciate the adaptation.

Release Date and Expectations:

While a concrete release date hasn't been announced, Netflix has confirmed the Until Dawn series is currently in post-production, fueling anticipation among fans. With the combined talent of Wan, Sandberg, and Dauberman, the adaptation is poised to be a thrilling, suspenseful, and visually stunning experience that does justice to the beloved source material. This promises to be one of Netflix's most anticipated horror releases of the year, setting a new benchmark for video game adaptations on screen.