Doom: Annihilation
A direct-to-video reboot of the Doom film franchise.
Doom: Annihilation is a 2019 American science fiction action film that serves as a reboot of the live-action *Doom* movie series, following the 2005 film. It was written and directed by Tony Giglio. The cast includes Amy Manson, Dominic Mafham, Luke Allen-Gale, and Nina Bergman. The story follows a group of marines fighting demonic creatures on the moon Phobos, which emerge from ancient teleportation devices called "Gates."
Tony Giglio first pitched his concept for a new *Doom* film to Universal in 2015, but the studio initially turned him down. After the 2016 video game proved successful, Universal changed course and commissioned a script from Giglio. The project was officially announced in April 2018, with principal photography starting shortly after and wrapping in June, followed by additional filming in early 2019. id Software stated publicly that they were not involved in the film's production, having declined an earlier invitation to participate.
Released direct-to-video on October 1, 2019, *Doom: Annihilation* received mixed reviews and earned roughly $78,389 in domestic video sales (equivalent to about $98,713 in 2025). A new reboot is currently in development.
**Plot**
On a United Aerospace Corporation (UAC) base on Phobos, Dr. Betruger conducts an experiment using ancient teleporters called "Gates" to send a volunteer from a UAC lab in Nevada to Phobos. The test succeeds, but the subject emerges partially deformed and insane. Meanwhile, a group of marines, including disgraced Lieutenant Joan Dark, awakens from cryosleep aboard a UAC transport vessel. They are joined by scientist Bennett Stone, Joan's ex-boyfriend. Against Dr. Kahn's objections, Betruger prepares to teleport himself to the Nevada base. After medic Veronica makes preparations, Betruger passes through the Gate, but the Phobos base goes offline as monsters pour out of the Gate.
Unable to contact or enter the base, the marines are ordered to investigate and restore power. They enter through an emergency entrance, where Bennett discovers the reserve power is down to two percent, leaving only 90 minutes before the fusion reactor explodes. The marines are attacked by UAC staff turned into zombie-like creatures. They find three survivors: Betruger, Veronica, and Chaplain Glover.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Tony Giglio
- Producer
- Jeffery Beach / Phillip J. Roth / Ogden Gavanski
- Based On
- Doom · id Software
- Starring
- Amy Manson / Dominic Mafham / Luke Allen-Gale / Nina Bergman
- Music
- Frederik Wiedmann
- Cinematography
- Alexander Krumov
- Editing
- Peter Mergus
- Studio
- Universal 1440 Entertainment / Di Bonaventura Pictures / Battle Mountain Films
- Distributor
- Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
- Released
- 1 October 2019
- Runtime
- 96 minutes
- Country
- United States
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The film was pitched by Tony Giglio to Universal in 2015, but initially turned down. The success of the 2016 video game convinced Universal to proceed and commission a script. The project was announced in April 2018, with principal photography commencing soon afterward and ending in June, with additional photography in early 2019. id Software publicly stated they were not involved with the film, having declined an invitation to participate. The film was released direct-to-video on October 1, 2019, to mixed reviews. A reboot is in development.
Giglio created the character Joan after taking inspiration from The Terminator and Aliens, naming her after Joan of Arc. Four suits were produced for the Imps, with one designed for leaping. Inspiration was drawn from the first three Doom games, as Universal did not retain the rights to the Bethesda version. Universal invited Bethesda to participate, but Bethesda respectfully declined. The Imps were redesigned to have charred skin and sharp edges for more organic-like horns, while retaining the glowing eyes and wide mouth of the original design.
Reader's Guide
Doom: Annihilation is notable as the second live-action film in the Doom franchise, serving as a reboot after the 2005 film. Its production was directly influenced by the commercial success of the 2016 video game, which convinced Universal to greenlight the project after an initial rejection. The film was produced by Universal's 1440 Entertainment subsidiary and released direct-to-video, earning $78,389 in domestic video sales. Critical reception was mixed: on Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 43% approval rating based on seven reviews. Some critics praised the action scenes, special effects, and Amy Manson's performance, while others criticized the acting, script, production design, and visual effects. The film's trailer received negative reactions from fans, with id Software confirming it was not involved. Director Tony Giglio noted that only 80 of the 1,000 effects shots were complete for the first trailer, and that the second teaser was better received. The film's legacy includes its status as a direct-to-video reboot that attempted to incorporate elements from the games—such as demons, hell, and the Gates—that Giglio felt were missing from the 2005 film.
Did You Know?
- The film was shot in Bulgaria, with principal photography wrapping in June 2018.
- The character Joan Dark was named after Joan of Arc.
- The film used 1,000 visual effects shots.
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