A decade after its chilling debut as one of PlayStation’s most iconic horror games, Until Dawn has been adapted into a live-action film that promises to take its heart-pounding scares and player-driven storytelling to a whole new level.
Directed by David F. Sandberg, the visionary behind Annabelle: Creation and Lights Out, the film offers a daring new spin that both honors the source material and pushes the horror genre into exciting new territory. Blending slasher, supernatural mystery, and time-loop terror, the movie captures the unpredictable dread that made the game a cult classic, all while delivering a fresh and terrifying cinematic experience.
Ahead of today’s release, CinemaChords spoke with Peter Stormare, reprising his role as the chilling Dr. Hill. He discussed the challenges and rewards of bringing the iconic character to the screen, the powerful impact of practical effects, and the distinctly European horror vibe that makes this adaptation so successful.
Stormare, who brought Dr. Hill to life in the game, reflects on the enduring appeal of the story. “The video game was a bit of a sleeper,” he shares, “it got great reviews when it was released, but after six or seven years, it really started to gain momentum. I’m also blessed with a 16-year-old daughter who started playing Until Dawn when she was 13 or 14 and didn’t know I was in it until she saw me. I think it attracts a new generation of people who have grown bored of the typical boom-boom-crash-bang shoot ‘em ups. Until Dawn makes you think and dive into the mystery. You can’t just walk away or check your phone while you’re playing it. You have to be in the game, or you’ll get lost. It’s great for the younger generation that’s tired of the usual popcorn bullshit.”
As Stormare explains, the film is a far cry from those typical popcorn flicks. It combines time-loop terror, high-stakes tension, and a relentless sense of unpredictability. “A lot of the film’s success comes from the European filmmaking process,” he believes. “We approach scary movies a little differently. We don’t just blast the audience in the face to make them scream. We want you to get to know the characters, to feel the pain before anything happens to them. I think it’s lucky for Sony that David got the job. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to the American style, but this movie wouldn’t have worked the same way with the typical American approach to horror. You need a European, character-driven movie, and when things start happening to the teenagers, you really feel it. The audience is left screaming, ‘Don’t! Please don’t!’ It’s so much more effective that way. David did a fantastic job.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of Stormare’s return to Until Dawn is his portrayal of Dr. Hill, the only character who serves as a direct bridge between the original video game and its new cinematic adaptation. As the only link between the two mediums, Dr. Hill’s presence in both the game and the film carries a unique weight. We asked Stormare if this responsibility brought any pressure or hesitation to his decision to reprise the role. “Not when I heard David was involved,” Stormare laughs. “I knew his Lights Out film, which I think is brilliant. We talked about the character, and also with Gary Dauberman, who I knew would write the adaptation. Dr. Hill is such a great character. He’s like the Pied Piper, waiting for people to show them a way to die, or to Hell, or to Heaven. He’s walking that fine line between light and darkness, and I think he’s very bored when nothing happens in this world. It’s mentioned in the movie that it’s been a year since anyone has been to this valley, so Dr. Hill has just been talking to himself on repeat. You can imagine what kind of place he’s coming from. He’s a great character because he has no earthly limits. He’s really between death and life, walking that thin line.”
Stormare also highlights how his personal touch on the character’s dialogue made Dr. Hill even more compelling. “Gary [Dauberman] was very gracious,” he shares. “He told me, ‘Look at all your lines and twist them. If you want to change the words, let’s talk about it so it feels more like you for Dr. Hill.’” This freedom to shape the character’s voice helped Stormare bring a new depth to Dr. Hill, who’s more than just the stereotypical mad scientist. “He’s an enigma to himself. There’s no limit to what he can or can’t do – he can scream, be serious, or do crazy stuff. It’s a great role to play because he can be anything.”
The practical effects of the film, which are a huge part of the film’s appeal, also played a key role in the authenticity of Stormare’s performance. “That’s all down to David’s European background,” Stormare notes. “If it’s too much CGI, it’s too much. We get tired as an audience. But here, David keeps the camera rolling. Sometimes the blood just shows up. That’s creepier than a big boom-crash-bang because your brain is exploding trying not to scream. It’s old-school storytelling. There are some great movies from the ‘60s and ‘70s with no special effects, but man, you get scared when you watch them. We sometimes forget that the audience is there, eager to fill in the blanks.”
Stormare also points out that while the premise of repeatedly watching characters die might seem repetitive, it works brilliantly in Until Dawn. “Sure, it’s a tough task to have people die over and over again, but I think it works really well. The audience’s anticipation of what’s coming next only adds to the tension.” And while the film’s immediate goal is surviving this particular loop, Stormare’s hint of a sequel suggests the cycle might not be entirely broken: “With a bit of luck, there might even be a sequel on the horizon. And I would love for David to be the captain of the ship if that happens,” implying the characters, or perhaps a new set, could find themselves caught in another iteration.
With a perfect blend of character-driven tension and unpredictably nerve-shattering scares, Until Dawn is set to carve out its own legacy in the horror genre when it releases exclusively in theaters on April 25, 2025.
