Blumhouse-Atomic Monster first announced a film adaptation of Behaviour Interactive’s 2016 multiplayer survival horror game Dead by Daylight way back in 2023. However, further information about the project had been scarce until February 2026, when the production companies announced David Leslie Johnston-McGoldrick and Alexandre Aja were writing the script. With the film finally showing signs of life after three years, more news seemed imminent. During a massive livestreamed event for the game’s 10th anniversary on Sunday, Behaviour Interactive Chief Product Officer Stephen Mulrooney and Blumhouse founder and CEO Jason Blum announced Thordur Palsson (The Damned) would direct the Dead by Daylight film. Blum promised that things with the movie were about to “speed up right about now” after its long delay. Mulrooney and Blum both praised Palsson’s first feature film, 2024’s The Damned, and his ability to create a tense atmosphere on the big screen. “Our game is one that’s deeply rooted in atmosphere, and it was our goal to find someone with a distinct visual style who’s also a master at conveying the dread and tension you’d feel when you’re playing Dead by Daylight,” Mulrooney said.
Palsson then took the stage to explain his approach to making the film. “For me, the main thing is capturing the feeling of playing Dead by Daylight. I want to capture the feeling of looking over your shoulder,” Palsson said. “I want to capture the dread, the tension, the fear of what’s waiting for you in the fog. I love horror that stays with you after it’s over, and that’s the cinematic experience we want to bring to the big screen for you guys.”
