Shazam Director Returns for Until Dawn Adaptation Despite IP Movie Backlash

You might be surprised to learn that David F. Sandberg, the director behind *Shazam!* and *Shazam: Fury of the Gods*, has taken the helm of another IP film, *Until Dawn*. After facing intense backlash over his DC Cinematic Universe projects, Sandberg initially swore off IP-based movies. However, the intriguing script for *Until Dawn* changed his mind, drawing him back into the world of intellectual property adaptations.

"What I loved about the script [is] that it wasn't trying to recreate the game," Sandberg shared with GamesRadar+ about the adaptation of the beloved horror game. "Trying to condense 10 hours into two, or something like that. But it is scary still, even though we're doing a new thing." He emphasized that fans of game IPs are particularly passionate about how their favorite stories are brought to the screen.

"I mean, to be honest, fans can get very, very crazy and very angry with you. You can get, like, death threats and everything so after *Shazam 2*, I was like, 'I never wanna do another IP-based movie because it's just not worth it,'" Sandberg admitted, reflecting on the intense scrutiny and negative reactions he experienced with the DCU.

Despite this, the unique story of *Until Dawn* captivated him. "But then I was sent this script, and I was like, 'Ah, this would be so much fun to do, to do all these kinds of horrors? I kind of have to do it, and hope that the people see what we're trying to do and like it,'" he explained. He praised the innovative approach of the writers, saying, "I really thought it was brilliant of the writers to come up with this time loop idea where the night starts over because then you do kind of get that feel of the game, when you're replaying it and making different choices. I think it's very much in the spirit of the game."

Sandberg understands that not every fan can be pleased when adapting an IP, but he believes his method for *Until Dawn* is the best way to win over fans of the game. "I think we would've gotten a lot of critique if we had tried to [recreate the game], because people would've been like, 'It's not as good. It's not the same actors, because, you know, they're older now,'" he said. "You wouldn't be able to better the game, so you'd just be in a losing situation."

*Until Dawn*, penned by Blair Butler and Gary Dauberman, who is known for writing *It: Chapter Two*, stars Ella Rubin. The film is set to hit theaters on April 25, 2025.