Horror Maestro Gary Dauberman Adapts Bloober Team’s ‘The Medium’ for Film

Gary Dauberman, the prolific writer behind blockbuster horror franchises like It and Annabelle, is turning Bloober Team’s acclaimed psychological horror game The Medium into a feature film. Announced via The Hollywood Reporter on October 26, 2023, this collaboration signals a major leap for video game adaptations, blending Dauberman’s genre expertise with Bloober’s atmospheric storytelling. The project, produced by Dauberman’s Coin Operated alongside Bloober Team, promises to translate the game’s dual-reality horror into a cinematic experience.

Horror Maestro Gary Dauberman Takes on The Medium

Dauberman will produce the film through his Coin Operated banner, partnering with company president Mia Maniscalco. While he won’t write or direct, his role as curator is pivotal. He told The Hollywood Reporter, “With its compelling story and incredibly cinematic visuals, The Medium is a natural for a feature film adaptation.” His track record—penning films grossing over $1.7 billion globally—positions him uniquely to navigate horror’s evolving landscape.

Bloober Team CEO Piotr Babieno emphasized creative alignment: “From our first conversation, I felt we were completely in sync.” This synergy is crucial given Dauberman’s recent Until Dawn adaptation struggles. The film’s success hinges on the yet-unannounced writer and director capturing the game’s essence: protagonist Marianne’s ability to traverse the physical and spirit worlds simultaneously.

From Game to Screen: The Medium’s Cinematic Journey

The Medium, released in 2021, stunned players with its “dual-reality” gameplay and psychological depth. Its fixed-camera angles and eerie sound design—reminiscent of classic survival horror—earned praise for immersion. Adapting its layered narrative requires balancing interactive elements with cinematic pacing. Dauberman’s team must distill themes of trauma and supernatural investigation central to Marianne’s quest in a haunted resort.

Notably, this announcement casts doubt on a previously teased TV adaptation. Industry analysts suggest the shift to film reflects a strategic pivot toward high-impact formats. As Bloober develops Silent Hill 2 Remake, this project amplifies their cross-media ambitions. Dauberman’s challenge? Avoiding the “video game curse” by prioritizing atmospheric dread over jump scares—a nuance his It films mastered.

The convergence of Bloober Team’s visionary horror and Dauberman’s blockbuster instincts could redefine game-to-film adaptations—if they honor the source material’s psychological weight. Fans should monitor casting updates and director reveals to gauge this ambitious project’s trajectory.

Must Know

Q: Who is Gary Dauberman and why is he significant to horror?
A: Dauberman wrote and produced hits like It ($1.17B global box office) and The Conjuring spin-offs. His expertise in character-driven horror makes him ideal for The Medium’s psychological themes.

Q: How will the film adapt the game’s dual-reality gameplay?
A: Expect creative cinematography or parallel storytelling to mirror Marianne’s simultaneous exploration of physical and spirit realms—core to the game’s innovation.

Q: What happened to the planned TV series adaptation?
A: The 2022 TV announcement has no recent updates. This film partnership suggests Bloober prioritized a cinematic approach with Dauberman’s proven team.

Q: Will Bloober Team be involved creatively?
A: Yes. CEO Piotr Babieno confirmed close collaboration to ensure the film aligns with their vision, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Q: When can audiences expect release details?
A: No timeline exists yet. The project is in early development, with Dauberman seeking a writer/director.

Q: What makes The Medium suitable for film?
A: Its strong narrative, haunting score (by Silent Hill’s Akira Yamaoka), and fixed-camera visuals inherently lend themselves to cinematic storytelling.