| “ | THE DARKNESS WASN'T THE END, IT'S JUST A BEGINNING. | „ |
| ~ DR. M |
| Murder Drones: Dark Horizons | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Duncan Jones Travis Knight Glen Keane |
| Written by | Liam Vickers Christopher Miller |
| Based on | Murder Drones by Glitch Productions & Liam Vickers |
| Produced by | Travis Knight |
| Starring | Finn Wolfhard Andrew Garfield Hailee Steinfeld Bill Skarsgård Mackenzie Davis Idris Elba |
| Edited by | Kirk Baxter Glen Keane |
| Music by | AJ DiSpirito Hans Zimmer |
| Production companies | Sony Pictures Animation |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
| Release dates | August 13th 2033 (United States) August 18th 2033 (Australia) |
| Running time | 142 minutes |
| Genre | Post-apocalyptic Horror comedy |
| Language | English Australian |
| Budget | $250 million |
| Box office | $1.60 billion |
| Next | Murder Drones: Requiem |
| Previous | Murder Drones |
Murder Drones: Dark Horizons is a 2033 computer-animated action horror film based on the web series/fan project of the same name. It is the first official installment in the Legacy of the Solver franchise and serves as a direct sequel to the original Murder Drones series, though set in an alternate universe. The film takes place 200 years after the events of the original series, introducing a darker reimagining of the Murder Drones world. It was directed by Duncan Jones, based on a story written by Christopher Miller, alongside Liam Vickers. The cast includes Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard, with additional performances by Andrew Garfield, Hailee Steinfeld, Bill Skarsgård, Mackenzie Davis, and Idris Elba.
The development of Murder Drones: Dark Horizons officially began in November 10, 2029, marking the return of Liam Vickers nearly two years after the release of Murder Drones (2027), directed by David Leitch. While Dark Horizons was the first film in the Legacy of the Solver franchise to enter development, its complex production and ambitious scale resulted in a longer timeline. The announcement generated excitement among fans, as it signaled a bold new direction and alternate universe continuation of the original series, now helmed by Duncan Jones and featuring a fresh creative team alongside Vickers.
Plot[]
The story takes place in the year 3271 on the exoplanet Eris-82EX9, also known as The Copper 10, 200 years after the events of Murder Drones. The original company, JCJenson, has long collapsed, leaving behind a society of surviving worker drones and remnants of human technology. The central character, Jake Blackstrix, is an agent worker drone of the Agents Drones Defense, an organization dedicated to protecting worker drones and studying past events, including the destruction of Copper 9 and the Solver threat. In a flashback to the 3050s, Murphy Blackstrix (Dr. Murphy), Jake’s ancestor, was working in the Cabin Fever Labs on Copper 9. He helped humans create Sentinels, advanced defense drones. The calm atmosphere of scientific progress was shattered when the planet's core began collapsing, similar to the original Copper 9 disaster. In a moment of panic, Murphy hid in a shelter, narrowly surviving the apocalyptic event. When he awoke, the entire planet was in ruins, with only scattered worker drones remaining. Murphy took it upon himself to rebuild society by guiding the surviving drones in completing what the humans left unfinished. In 3271, Jake is following in his ancestor's footsteps by investigating the cause of the destruction of Copper 9 and the mysterious Solver entity. His research is interrupted when Ivan-E28, the commander of the Agents Drones Defense, reveals the discovery of a new host of the Solver—an infected test subject drone known as A39-12 (Subject 12). Subject 12 is more powerful than the previous Solver hosts, Cyn and Uzi Doorman, possessing terrifying abilities and unmatched strength. Determined to stop the emerging threat, Jake, Avery Widow, and the rest of the Agents Drones Defense prepare for battle. Armed with advanced weapons, they face a deadly confrontation with A39-12, a being that may surpass every danger they have encountered before. The film's climax is sure to focus on the intense struggle between the agents and this unstoppable force, with themes of survival, sacrifice, and uncovering deeper mysteries behind the Solver’s origin.
Flashback Story of Murphy Blackstrix[]
Over 220 years after Earth’s destruction, Murphy Blackstrix was one of the few worker drones who had adapted to the remnants of human civilization. Working alongside humans at JCJenson in the Cabin Fever Labs of Copper 9, Murphy was a brilliant worker drone who aided in the creation of the Sentinels, advanced defense drones designed to protect against external threats. Unbeknownst to him, this era of progress was on the brink of collapse.
Core Collapse: One day, in the midst of research, Murphy noticed the ground beneath the lab start to rumble, trembling as though the planet itself was rebelling. The core of Copper 9 was collapsing. Alarms blared, and Murphy’s human colleagues panicked. Murphy, following his protocol, raced into the nearest shelter. As the collapse unfolded, Murphy survived while most around him perished. He remained in the shelter, trapped in isolation, until the tremors ceased.
When Murphy finally emerged, the once-thriving Copper 9 had been reduced to ruin. He stepped out into a wasteland, the remnants of JCJenson and Copper 9 lay diminished. The humans were gone. The worker drones left behind struggled to rebuild, but without the guidance of their creators, the future was bleak. With his knowledge and skills, Murphy helped these worker drones reconstruct what little remained, picking up where the humans had left off.
Defending Against Disassembly Drones: For the next few centuries, Murphy witnessed the rise of the Disassembly Drones. These rogue drones, tasked with eradicating malfunctioning worker drones, became a terrifying threat to what little survived on Copper 9. Murphy joined the Worker Defense Force, building protective barriers and guarding the entrances to key worker outposts. Despite being part of the frontline resistance, he barely survived several encounters with the disassembly drones.
After years of surviving attack after attack, Murphy grew weary. In the mid-3070s, he left the Worker Defense Force and abandoned Outpost 3, a key location for defense, hoping to live in isolation to avoid further conflict. He wandered far from civilization, choosing to distance himself from the constant cycle of violence.
Murphy’s Final Days (3071): In 3071, during the original Murder Drones series, Murphy found himself alone in an abandoned JCJenson factory. Years of isolation had taken their toll on him, but he remained vigilant, observing the outside world from a distance. During the events of Episode 8: Absolute End, set in this alternate universe, Murphy noticed an eerie shift in the atmosphere. A glowing yellow light engulfed the sky—it was the Absolute Solver. The ground began to shake violently once more, but this time, Murphy knew what was coming.
Realizing that the destruction of Copper 9 was inevitable, he rushed back inside the factory and transmitted a final message to the remaining worker drones scattered across the surface. His message was short, but it carried a tone of resignation: "This is the end. The Solver has come."
As the Absolute Solver ravaged Copper 9, Murphy Blackstrix's story came to a close. His fate, much like the fate of Copper 9, was sealed as the planet was finally consumed by the Solver’s chaos.
Reception[]
Box office[]
Murder Drones: Dark Horizons grossed $823.4 million in the United States and Australia, and $894.8 million in other territories, for a worldwide gross of $1.60 billion.
Fans of Murder Drones would likely praise Dark Horizons for expanding the universe while offering fresh and unexpected plot twists. The alternate timeline, darker tone, and the introduction of new characters like Jake Blackstrix and the terrifying Subject 12 would give the film a unique identity while maintaining the core elements of the original series. Fans would appreciate the high-stakes action and deeper exploration of the Absolute Solver mythology.
- New Audiences: Due to its high-budget production, star-studded cast, and impressive marketing campaign, Dark Horizons would likely attract a wider audience beyond Murder Drones fans. People unfamiliar with the original series could still enjoy the self-contained story, especially with its intense action scenes, high-concept sci-fi, and emotional character arcs. The character-driven narrative, coupled with breathtaking visuals, would draw in general sci-fi enthusiasts.
Critical response[]
Critics would likely highlight the exceptional visual effects, a hallmark of the $250 million budget. The intricate design of the drone characters, the stunning planetary landscapes of Eris-82EX9, and the action sequences (like the battle with A39-12) would be universally praised. The core collapse flashback and climactic scenes featuring the AbsoluteSolver’s terrifying powers would be noted for their technical brilliance, similar to how Avatar and Blade Runner 2049 were praised for their futuristic world-building. While the visuals and performances would receive universal acclaim, the film’s plot and pacing could generate a more mixed response. Some critics might feel that the story is too dense or reliant on Murder Drones lore, which could confuse new audiences unfamiliar with the source material. However, others would praise the dark tone and emotional depth, especially how the film explores legacy, survival, and sacrifice. The new antagonist, A39-12, would be viewed as a chilling and formidable foe, making the stakes feel high.
Critic and Audience Ratings[]
- Metacritic: Score: 80-85/100 – A solid score reflecting generally favorable reviews, though some critics may note the film's darker tone and intricate plot as potentially alienating to newcomers.
- Rotten Tomatoes: Critics’ Score: 85-90% – Generally positive, with praise for the visuals, performances, and ambitious storytelling, though some may critique the complexity of the plot. Audience Score: 95% – Enthusiastic fan response, with many calling it a worthy addition to the Murder Drones universe and celebrating its bold storytelling and impressive action.
- CinemaScore: Rating: A- – Audiences who saw the film in theaters would give it a very high score, praising its intense action, emotional character arcs, and stunning visuals, with only minor complaints about the complexity of the plot.
Cast[]
- Finn Wolfhard as Jake Blackstrix (Main Protagonist)
- Andrew Garfield as Murphy Blackstrix
- Hailee Steinfeld as Avery Widow
- Bill Skarsgård as A39-12 (Main Antagonist)
- Mackenzie Davis as Iris Gray (Scientist Worker Drone)
- Idris Elba as Ivan-E28 (Commander Drone, Tritagonist)
- Lily James as Seren Aegis (Medic Worker Drone)
- Matthew Mercer as Ellis Raven-94 (Medic Worker Drone Number 2)
- Jack Dylan Grazer as Calder-35 (Worker Drone)
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Orion X (AI Entity)
- Margot Robbie as Rhea-16 (Infected Worker Drone)
- Oscar Issac as Viktor Paragon (JCJenson Operative)
- Emma Watson as Melody-47 (Corporal Agent Drone)
- Michael Kovach as unnamed Agent Drone Soldier (uncredited)
- Nola Klop as Female Worker Drone survivor (uncredited)
Music[]
Main article: Murder Drones: Dark Horizons/Soundtrack
Murder Drones: Dark Horizons soundtrack was released on digital platforms on August 12, 2033, coinciding with the film's premiere. Fans lauded its unique mix of Zimmer’s orchestral gravitas and DiSpirito’s synth-driven edge, cementing it as a standout in the Murder Drones franchise.
Trivia[]
Main article: Murder Drones: Dark Horizons/Trivia
Trailer Transcripts[]
Main article: Murder Drones: Dark Horizons/Trailer Transcripts
Gallery[]
Main article: Murder Drones: Dark Horizons/Gallery