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Adapting a beloved story from one medium to another is a tricky endeavor. Fans expect faithfulness to the source material, while creators often face the challenge of tailoring the story for a new audience or medium. It seems this is an especially drought situation when dealing with video game adaptations likeUntil Dawn. When the filmmakers claim they are making a film based on theUntil Dawnmovie but then proclaim the setting and characters will be different, people wonder what the point of giving it theUntil Dawnname is.
There is at least one property out there that shows even after initial pushback, this kind of “adaptation” can work.World War Zdiverged significantlyfrom Max Brooks’ acclaimed book. Though initially controversial, the film found its footing and even garnered widespread acclaim. A similar opportunity presents itself with theUntil Dawnmovie. While the video game’s fans might be expecting a direct adaptation, changing the setting and characters could actually be the key to its success.
The World War Z Problem
WhenWorld War Zwas announced, fans of Max Brooks’ 2006 novel were excited to see its meticulous oral history of a global zombie apocalypse brought to life. However, the movie released in 2013 bore little resemblance to the book. The novel’s structure—interviews with survivors recounting the outbreak’s aftermath—was abandoned in favor of a more traditional action-driven narrative focused on Brad Pitt’s protagonist, Gerry Lane. Understandably, this shift led to criticism, with fans lamenting the loss of the book’s unique format and nuanced commentary on geopolitics and human survival.
Despite the backlash, the film succeeded on its own terms. It became a commercial hit, grossing over$540 million worldwide, and earned praise for its intense action sequences and compelling pace. Once audiences moved past their initial disappointment about the lack of faithfulness to the novel, they were able to appreciate the movie for what it was—a solid, entertaining zombie thriller.
The lesson here is that deviating from source material doesn’t have to be a death knell. In fact, it can open up creative opportunities that might not have been possible within the constraints of strict adherence. This is the same opportunity that lies beforeUntil Dawnas it transitions from an interactive horror game to a cinematic experience.
Until Dawn Doesn’t Have To Be Anchored To The Source
Until Dawn, the 2015 video game developed by Supermassive Games, is a quintessentialexample of interactive horror storytelling. Set in a remote mountain lodge, the game follows a group of young adults whose weekend getaway turns into a nightmare. With a branching narrative and a “butterfly effect” mechanic that makes player choices impact the outcome, the game captured the essence of horror films while putting players in the director’s chair. Naturally, fans of the game might expect a movie adaptation to closely mirror this experience, reintroducing characters like Sam, Mike, and Emily in a story that adheres to the game’s framework.
However,translatingUntil Dawndirectly to filmwould miss the core appeal of its narrative. The game’s magic lies in its interactivity—players make decisions that influence the story, creating a deeply personal experience. A movie cannot replicate that, but it can capture the broader spirit ofUntil Dawn: a gripping, character-driven horror tale with twists, suspense, and high stakes.
By introducing a new setting and fresh characters, theUntil Dawnmovie has the freedom to explore its themes without being confined to the game’s narrative. This opens the door to reimagining the tone, pacing, and scares in a way that resonates with both diehard fans and newcomers. AsWorld War Zshowed, letting go of the source material doesn’t mean losing its essence.
Capturing a Wider Audience Is Fine
Another reason a looser adaptation can work is that it makes the story accessible to a broader audience. Video games are an incredibly popular medium, butnot everyone has playedUntil Dawnor is familiar with its plot. By focusing on a standalone story, the film can appeal to moviegoers who love horror but haven’t engaged with the game. This inclusivity doesn’t dilute the franchise’s identity; rather, it strengthens its potential to grow and evolve.
Starring
For gamers who lovedUntil Dawn, a new narrative could bring a fresh layer of intrigue. Fanswho already know the game’s twistswould likely find little suspense in a direct retelling. A completely new story, on the other hand, invites them to experience the franchise in a fresh way while still enjoying the callbacks and Easter eggs that connect it to the original.
Much like howWorld War Zdrew in audiencesunfamiliar with Brooks’ novel,theUntil Dawnmovie can succeedby crafting a horror story that resonates on its own merits. The film industry is full of adaptations that veer off course only to find success in their own right. If anything, a reimaginedUntil Dawncould spark greater interest in the game, introducing its intricate narrative to a whole new fanbase.
