A Dead by Daylight movie is coming from the minds of Paranormal Activity's James Blum and The Conjuring's James Wan. Blumhouse Productions, Atomic Monster Productions, and Canadian-based Behaviour Interactive are joining forces to bring the asymmetrical player game to cinemas.
The Dead by Daylight video game stand-outs in the horror genre for including original characters and those from famous horror franchises from Halloween and Netflix's hit series Stranger Things. The game itself features the hunting of four “Survivors'' and one “Killer.” The multiplayer game allows for several perspectives. Survivors take on the third person while the Killer emerges as the first person in a fight to escape (or find sacrifices) for “The Entity.” In something of a creative plot twist, The Entity is the force that drives the Killers and feeds on the fear and hope of Survivors.
In the Dead by Daylight movie announcement, the companies announced they are searching for the perfect director and screenwriter. "There are so many fans of Dead by Daylight out there and think it's imperative we find someone who appreciates and loves the world as much as we do, to help us bring the game to the big screen," said Blum in a statement. With such a plethora of Dead by Daylight characters, there are many exciting questions for fans of the game and the horror genre. Wan formally stated that his team is “thrilled to be teaming up with Blumhouse to bring this frighteningly visceral world to the big screen.”
In November 2022, it was announced that Atomic Monster Productions was in talks to merge with Blumhouse. Both companies have decided to move forward with the merger, which would end Atomic Monster's relationship with Warner Bros Pictures and enter into a first-look deal with Universal Pictures. Blumhouse and Atomic Monster would maintain their independence, continue as separate labels, and be responsible for individual brand identity during this period. The move toward a movie with such a grand scale as Dead by Daylight further confirms the production company’s relationship.
Fans can look forward to great potential with this joining of the many groups and creatives. Each brings its unique contribution to modern horror. Atomic Monster and Blumhouse have made their mark in cinema with titles like Insidious and Get Out. In February 2023, Blumhouse launched Blumhouse Games as an element of a long-term goal to extend into interactive media. Behaviour Interactive has existed in the video-game space through different titles since 1992 and brings the necessary experience. While the announcement is exciting, the contractual discussions will undoubtedly require experienced players if horror favorites like Leatherface are to be included.
The announcement of a Dead by Daylight movie gives life to the complex relationships between gaming and film. It will undoubtedly enthrall fans of the game, Blumhouse, Atomic Monster, and general horror films. Creative will face the scrutiny of gamers and be accountable for honoring adored characters that have lived in pop culture for over forty years. This exciting step from the talented Wan and Blum might create a new version of horror that audiences have yet to enjoy. Freddy vs. Jason might become small potatoes should this film yield the success promised.
Dead by Daylight is in development at Blumhouse.
Source: Dead by Daylight