Many feared it would happen, despite the somewhat positive turnaround in the last few weeks…
Sadly, David F. Sandberg’s Until Dawn adaption didn’t hit the note with audiences that Sony were hoping for.
Upon opening on April 25th, Until Dawn was initially projected to gross $10-20 million during its opening weekend.
The upper end of the estimate would’ve secured Sony Pictures a solid opening, and it was considered a safe bet, given the positive reception of the second trailer.
However, Until Dawn made a disappointing $3.2 million on its first day, and the movie’s box-office projections were quietly lowered to a more attainable $8-10 million.
Ultimately, Until Dawn would only manage the lower end of this new estimate, grossing only $8 million domestically.
This would see the adaption finish in a disappointing fifth place, being the only entry in the top five not to crack $20 million.
Elsewhere, Until Dawn grossed an additional $10 million, taking the film’s worldwide opening haul to $18.1 million. Whilst this is above the film’s $16 million budget, it’s still shy of the grand total Sony had hoped for.
Critical response to the film has been mixed, with some criticising the lack of similarity to the source material. Others have highlighted the performances and multiple disturbing villains as high points, leading to a very split reception.
Audiences were less receptive, with some Until Dawn screenings even reporting walk-outs.
So, it appears Until Dawn was too much of a gamble on Sony’s part, and leaves the studio lacking a genre hit thus far for 2025.
