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From Viral Short To Hollywood Blockbuster: 7 Shocking Facts About David F. Sandberg’s Next Move After Shazam!

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Filmmaker David F. Sandberg has one of the most unique career trajectories in modern Hollywood, rocketing from making no-budget short films in his Swedish apartment to helming major studio blockbusters like *Shazam!* and *Annabelle: Creation*. As of December 2025, his career is taking a definitive turn, moving away from the superhero genre that brought him mainstream fame and back toward the horror roots that first made him a viral sensation.

Following the release of *Shazam! Fury of the Gods* in 2023, Sandberg publicly expressed a desire to step back from massive Intellectual Property (IP) projects, citing a "very crazy" fan culture and intense pressure. However, he has already broken that self-imposed rule for a highly anticipated video game adaptation, proving that his passion for genre filmmaking—especially horror—remains his true North Star, with his next major project slated for 2025.

David F. Sandberg: Director, Writer, and Viral Sensation

The Swedish-born director has quickly established himself as a versatile genre filmmaker, equally adept at crafting jump-scare-heavy horror and lighthearted superhero action. His career is defined by his DIY, "ponysmasher" roots and his close collaboration with his wife, Lotta Losten.

  • Full Name: David Fredrik Sandberg
  • Date of Birth: January 21, 1981
  • Place of Birth: Jönköping, Sweden
  • Occupation: Film Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor, Producer
  • Spouse: Lotta Losten (m. 2013)
  • Online Persona: ponysmasher (YouTube channel)
  • Notable Feature Filmography (Director):
    • Lights Out (2016)
    • Annabelle: Creation (2017)
    • Shazam! (2019)
    • Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
    • Until Dawn (2025 - Announced)
  • Career Launchpad: His viral 2013 short film, Lights Out.

The Shocking New Direction: From DC to a Video Game Nightmare

After two major DC Extended Universe (DCEU) films, Sandberg is pivoting sharply. His next confirmed feature project is an adaptation of a cult-favorite horror video game, a move that surprised many fans who expected him to continue in the superhero space.

1. His Next Film is the Highly Anticipated *Until Dawn* Adaptation

Sandberg's next major directorial effort is the film adaptation of the 2015 survival horror video game, *Until Dawn*. The movie is currently set for release in 2025. This project marks a return to the pure horror genre he excelled at with *Lights Out* and *Annabelle: Creation*. The game, known for its "butterfly effect" narrative and multiple character deaths, presents a unique challenge for a cinematic adaptation.

2. He Initially Vowed to Quit IP Films After *Shazam! Fury of the Gods*

Following the release of *Shazam! Fury of the Gods* in 2023, Sandberg was vocal about the intense pressure and negativity that comes with directing major IP (Intellectual Property) films. He stated he was "done with superheroes for now" and at one point wanted to "never" direct another IP-based movie due to the "very crazy" fan reaction and even receiving "death threats". This experience led him to seek out smaller, more personal projects, making his decision to take on the *Until Dawn* IP all the more intriguing.

3. Lotta Losten is Collaborating as a Producer on *Until Dawn*

In a heartwarming return to their working dynamic, Sandberg's wife and frequent collaborator, Lotta Losten, is involved in the *Until Dawn* film as a producer. Losten, who starred in almost all of Sandberg's early short films—including *Lights Out*—was interviewed alongside him about the new project in early 2025. This partnership is a defining characteristic of Sandberg’s career, blending their creative talents from their DIY days into a major studio production.

4. He is Eyeing an *Amityville Horror* Reimagining

Beyond *Until Dawn*, Sandberg has expressed interest in tackling other horror projects, specifically a reimagining of *The Amityville Horror*. This suggests a strong desire to continue working within the horror space, which is where his directorial style—focused on atmosphere, simple scares, and practical effects—truly shines. Fans are eager to see his modern take on the classic haunted house tale.

The DIY Roots: How a 3-Minute Short Changed Everything

Sandberg’s success story is a testament to the power of the internet and minimalist filmmaking. His journey from an unknown Swedish filmmaker to a Hollywood director is rooted in his "ponysmasher" short films.

5. His Career Exploded with a 3-Minute, No-Budget Short Film

The short film that launched Sandberg's career was the three-minute masterpiece, *Lights Out* (2013). Shot entirely in his apartment with almost no budget, the film features Lotta Losten being terrorized by a creature that only appears when the lights are off. The simple, high-concept premise went massively viral, catching the attention of Hollywood producer James Wan (known for *The Conjuring* and *Saw*).

6. He Directed the *Lights Out* Feature Film Debut in Hollywood

The viral success of the short film directly led to a feature-length adaptation, also titled *Lights Out* (2016), which Sandberg was hired to direct. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $148 million worldwide on a small budget. This debut immediately positioned him as a major voice in the horror genre and secured his next major film, *Annabelle: Creation*.

7. The "ponysmasher" YouTube Channel is Still Active for Filmmaking Tips

Sandberg continues to maintain his YouTube channel, "ponysmasher," which was the original home for his short films. Today, the channel serves as a valuable resource for aspiring filmmakers, featuring behind-the-scenes videos, visual effects breakdowns, and candid discussions about the realities of making movies in Hollywood. This commitment to transparency and teaching is a core part of his public identity, contrasting sharply with the secretive nature of big-budget studio filmmaking.

David F. Sandberg’s current trajectory confirms that he is a director who follows his passion, not just a paycheck. By returning to the horror genre with a major project like *Until Dawn* and exploring his own creative interests, he is cementing his reputation as a versatile and resilient filmmaker. Fans are eagerly awaiting the 2025 release of his new horror spectacle, excited to see the return of the minimalist master to the genre that made him a star.

david f. sandberg
david f. sandberg

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