Who is David F. Sandberg?
David F. Sandberg is a Swedish filmmaker best known for his transition from viral horror shorts to major Hollywood blockbusters. He gained international recognition with his short film Lights Out, which led to a feature adaptation and launched his career in mainstream cinema. Sandberg has since directed Annabelle: Creation, Shazam!, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods, establishing himself as a versatile director in both horror and superhero genres.
David F. Sandberg Biography
- Full Name: David Fredrik Sandberg
- Born: January 21, 1981, in Jönköping, Sweden
- Alias: Ponysmasher (used for online content)
- Profession: Director, writer, producer, editor, composer
- Years Active: 2006–present
Sandberg began his career making animated and documentary films in Sweden. His early work included projects for the Swedish Inheritance Fund and animated shorts like Vad Tyst Det Blev, which went viral. In 2013, he shifted focus to horror, creating Lights Out with his wife Lotta Losten. The short’s viral success led to a feature film produced by James Wan, marking Sandberg’s Hollywood debut.
He continued his horror success with Annabelle: Creation (2017) and later entered the superhero genre with Shazam! (2019) and its sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023). He’s currently directing the 2025 film adaptation of the video game Until Dawn.
David F. Sandberg Net Worth
David F. Sandberg’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. His wealth comes from:
- Directing major studio films
- Producing and writing credits
- YouTube content under “Ponysmasher”
- International licensing and royalties
His breakout film Lights Out grossed $148 million on a $5 million budget, and Shazam! earned over $365 million globally, contributing significantly to his earnings.
David F. Sandberg Age
David F. Sandberg is 44 years old as of 2025.
David F. Sandberg Height
While his exact height isn’t publicly confirmed, estimates place him around 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) based on public appearances.
David F. Sandberg Nationality
Sandberg is of Swedish nationality. He was born and raised in Jönköping, Sweden, and began his filmmaking career there before transitioning to Hollywood.
David F. Sandberg Ethnicity
David F. Sandberg is of Swedish ethnicity. He was born and raised in Jönköping, Sweden, and his cultural background and heritage are rooted in Scandinavian traditions.
David Sandberg Siblings
David F. Sandberg has one known sibling: Joakim Sandberg, a Swedish video game developer. Joakim is best known for creating the critically acclaimed indie game Iconoclasts, which showcases his talent in storytelling, pixel art, and game design.
The Sandberg brothers share a creative streak—David in film and Joakim in gaming—each carving out a niche in their respective industries.
David Sandberg Wife
David is married to Lotta Losten, a Swedish actress and collaborator. They met as children, reconnected in adulthood, and married in 2013. Lotta has appeared in many of his short films and continues to work with him on creative projects.
David Sandberg Education
David did not attend formal film school. Instead, he learned filmmaking through hands-on experience:
- Interned at Film i Jönköping, a local film center
- Mentored by Svante Rosberg, a film commissioner
- Self-taught in editing, animation, and cinematography
David Sandberg Birthday
David F. Sandberg was born on January 21, 1981.
David F. Sandberg Birthsign
His zodiac sign is Aquarius.