Alone in the Darksometimes doesn’t receive the recognition and credit it deserves as one of the forebears of the survival horror genre. Since its inception in 1992,Alone in the Dark’s presentation and mechanics set the bar that formed the core of the genre, predating the two other franchises (Silent HillandResident Evil) that have since often become its most well-known touchstones. With the last official entry in 2015, the franchise did not see any movement until 2022, when developer Pieces Interactive announced it was partnering with publisher THQ Nordic to produce a newAlone in the Darktitle.
In the upcoming iteration, a reimagining of the original 1992 title, fans will take on the roles of Edward Carnby and Emily Hartwood as they investigate the haunted Derceto mansion in the 1920s. In an interview with Game Rant, creative director Mikael Hedberg and THQ Nordic producer Andreas Schmiedecker described the process of howAlone in the Dark’s leads, David Harbour and Jodie Comer, were chosen. They also explained why their performances and personalities mesh extremely well, complementing each other’s characters.
Alone in the Dark Developers Speak Highly of David Harbour and Jodie Comer
Alone in the Darkis a love letter to the 1992 originalin many respects, but with its own updates and takes on classic elements and characters. When asked if Comer and Harbour were the first choices to realize Emily and Edward, Hedberg described how, initially, he had a list of possible actors in mind. However, THQ Nordic encouraged him to go bigger with his ideas for the game.
I was asked to write a short list of people I thought would be good for the roles. And the list was very kindly handed back to me by the publisher, telling me: “please dream a little bigger.” I had underestimated how much THQ Nordic believed in the game and was willing to invest. Since suddenly the sky was the limit, I was able to ask for people like David and Jodie.
Hedberg also explained why the team ultimately went with these too. Edward is not that different fromHopper inStranger Things, making Harbour a “perfect fit.” Deciding Emily was trickier because the actor and performance could not be overshadowed by Edward and Harbour. To this end, Comer was chosen because she “has such a presence and strength of character that she retains a great sense of dignity, and it always keeps her feeling sufficiently defiant.” Ultimately, this ability to play off each other but also stand out brings a lot to the game, with Hedberg having nothing but positive things to say about their performances:
I’m really happy with how both our protagonists turned out, but I’m even happier when looking at them as a duo and how great they fit together. I had a great time working with David and Jodie. They are both so talented and creative. I only wish we had more time together.
Jodie Comer and David Harbour Were the Perfect Pair for Alone in the Dark’s Atmosphere
Schmiedecker also spoke about how the vision for the characters evolved during production, and when it came to integrating and balancing their stories with the mood of the game, both actors turned in pitch-perfect performances:
We see ourselves more in the tradition of psychological horror - and in that regard we’re lucky to have David Harbour and Jodie Comer on board, whose spellbinding performances will convince everybody who’s here for the story-experience.
With this star power behind it along with promising an intriguing narrative,Alone in the Darkseems poised to be one of the most interestinghorror games of 2024.
Alone in the Dark
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Alone in the Dark weaves a chilling tapestry of psychological horror and Southern Gothic charm, reimagining the iconic game that set the benchmark for the genre. We invite you to join us on a journey into madness, where each encounter could be your last. With each step you take closer to unravelling Derceto’s mystery, the eyes that watch from the darkness grow hungrier.Every bullet means the difference between survival and an unthinkable end. The next door you unlock could lead to a nightmarish realm offering nothing but slashing claws, grasping tentacles, and frayed sanity. Journey to interbellum Louisiana, where an era of decadence hides a darker tale - of escape from past traumas and an intolerant society, into the waiting grasp of something darker, something that has patiently lurked for impossible eons.This is Alone in the Dark as you’ve never seen it - a skillfully-woven narrative of Southern Gothic elegance and eldritch madness that pays homage to its legendary origins while taking the next step forward in survival horror storytelling.
