Stephen King

BOYS DON’T CRY Director Tapped to Helm Remake of Stephen King’s CARRIE

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: January 4th, 2012 at 1:18 pm

While it’s been a while since we’ve heard anything about the planned remake of Carrie, the project seems to be moving forward as MGM and Screen Gems have settled on a director. Deadline reports that Boys Don’t Cry helmer Kimberly Peirce is in talks to get behind the camera on the Stephen King adaptation. Brian De Palma famously adapted the material in 1976 with Sissy Spacek in the career-defining lead role. This new version is said to be more faithful to King’s source material, though I’m assuming a fair amount of telekinetic carnage will still ensue.

Playwright/screenwriter/comic-book writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Big Love, Glee, The Stand comic) penned the screenplay, and with Peirce now onboard the project seems to be moving toward casting. The critically acclaimed Boys Don’t Cry marked Peirce’s directorial debut in 1999, and the 2008 Iraq War drama Stop-Loss acted as her follow-up feature. The director’s experience with off-kilter coming-of-age stories should bode well for her work on Carrie, and I’m intrigued to see what her take entails. Hit the jump to read a synopsis of the novel.

Brian K. Vaughan to Pen Series Adaptation of Stephen King’s UNDER THE DOME for Showtime

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: November 7th, 2011 at 5:47 pm

Award-winning comic book/television writer Brian K. Vaughan (Lost) has signed on to adapt iconic author Stephen King’s Under the Dome as a series for Showtime. King’s 2009 novel is a supernatural thriller that pits local folks against each other when they find their vacation town in Maine (obviously) cut off from the rest of the world by a mysterious force field. The story rights were secured by DreamWorks’ Television’s Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider shortly after publication.

Known for his work on some of the more memorable episodes of Lost (“Meet Kevin Johnson”), Vaughan is also the writer behind comic book series “Y: The Last Man,” “Ex Machina,” and “Runaways.” Hit the jump for more on Under the Dome.

Showtime Teams with Steven Spielberg and Stephen King for Series Adaptation of UNDER THE DOME

by Ethan Anderton    Posted: August 30th, 2011 at 1:04 pm

Though we may not be getting the unprecedented film and TV series adaptation of The Dark Tower anytime soon, that doesn’t mean more of Stephen King’s work isn’t venturing to the small screen soon. Deadline has word that Showtime is teaming with the veteran author to adapt his 2009 novel Under the Dome into an ambitious drama series. And if that wasn’t exciting enough, Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks Television are behind the series which revolves around locals at a Maine vacation spot who battle one another when a force field suddenly surrounds their town and cuts them off from the rest of the world.

This is the first sci-fi undertaking for Showtime in quite some time as the network has been comfortable with quirky dramatic comedy series like United States of Tara and Weeds, costume dramas like The Borgias and The Tudors, and of course Dexter, easily their best running series. As for Spielberg, Falling Skies seems to have worked out all right, and Terra Nova is one the way, so he must be having some fun slapping his name and expertise on these TV endeavors. Under the Dome is certainly an enticing concept for a drama series, rich with a huge cast of characters and expansive story so I’m certainly interested to see how this turns out. Hit the jump to read the synopsis of the book.

Jonathan Demme to Write, Direct and Produce Adaptation of Stephen King’s Upcoming Sci-Fi Novel 11/22/63

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: August 11th, 2011 at 5:38 pm

It’s a good week to be a Stephen King fan. Yesterday we reported that Harry Potter director David Yates is teaming up with Harry Potter screenwriter Steve Kloves for a multi-film adaptation of Stephen King’s The Stand, and now it looks like another Stephen King film adaptation is on its way as well. Variety reports that Jonathan Demme has optioned the feature film rights to King’s upcoming sci-fi novel 11/22/63 with plans to write, direct and produce the adaptation. The intriguing story centers on a 35-year-old high school English teacher who travels back in time to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. King will serve as executive producer on the project.

This is exciting stuff, as Demme’s last feature film outing was 2008’s indie Rachel Getting Married. He’s got a knack for character pieces (as evidenced by The Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia), and it’ll be incredibly interesting to see him tackle sci-fi. While the film is currently without a distributor, Demme plans to start shooting by fall 2012.

HARRY POTTER’s David Yates and Steve Kloves to Reunite for Adaptation of THE STAND

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: August 10th, 2011 at 6:54 pm

While Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 brought the most successful film franchise in history to an end this summer, it appears that the two most influential creatives involved will be reuniting once more. Screenwriter Steve Kloves (who wrote every Harry Potter film except Order of the Phoenix) and director David Yates (who helmed the final four Potter films) are apparently teaming up to tackle a multi-film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel The Stand. Hit the jump for the details.

Universal Considers Pulling Out of THE DARK TOWER

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: May 5th, 2011 at 9:25 pm

Every time I had the opportunity to write about the developing adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series, I wrote with awe at the ambition.  Three movies and two seasons of television!  I still can’t believe the studio is actually pulling this together.  Well, you see, here’s the thing…

Variety hears Universal is rethinking the original plan.  After encountering budgetary complications, the studio executives are expected to meet soon to decide whether to put the project into turnaround, at which point Imagine Entertainment heads Ron Howard and Brian Grazer could shop it to another studio.  If this happens, Universal could still co-finance or partner with the new home studio.

Variety stresses that, as of this writing, Universal has no plans to halt the development process.  Akiva Goldsman will write the screenplay, with Howard committed to direct at least the first movie.  Javier Bardem is on board as Roland Deschain, and the filmmakers are casting the supporting roles around him.  At the very least, though, this news casts a shadow of doubt on the planned May 17, 2013 debut.  More, including a synopsis of the series, after the jump.

Javier Bardem Close to a Deal to Star in THE DARK TOWER

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: April 6th, 2011 at 7:26 pm

We are going to track every damn step of Javier Bardem’s road to portray Roland Deschain in Universal’s adaptation of Stephen King’s Dark Tower series.  Under consideration.  Offered the role.  Producer Brian Grazer even created a new stage: “locked in psychologically“  (whatever that means).  Tonight, Deadline reports Bardem is “close to sealing his deal.”  Director Ron Howard is confident in his commitment, and has initiated meetings with other actors to build up a supporting cast around Bardem.

Universal is launching both a feature film trilogy and two seasons of a television based on The Dark Tower mythology, which introduces several layers of complexity to the negotiation.  The contract signs Bardem for the first film and one season of television with options on the two movie sequels to score his highest salary to date.  Hit the jump for a synopsis of the Dark Tower series.

Stephen King in Talks to Write an Episode of THE WALKING DEAD

by Ethan Anderton    Posted: March 21st, 2011 at 12:42 pm

Last November, we heard that executive producer Frank Darabont had axed the entire writing staff from the first season of AMC’s hit zombie TV series The Walking Dead. It’s been mentioned that the freelance writing method may be employed for the series’ second season, and now we know just who might get in on the action. EW has confirmed that horror author Stephen King has been tapped to write an episode for the series. King revealed the news himself saying that Darabont “has expressed enthusiastic interest for season 2 or possibly 3.”

It’s not surprising considering Darabont has directed three feature length films based on King’s writing. If the deal does come together, King would actually co-write an episode with his son, author Joe Hill, who just recently had Shia LaBeouf added to the adaptation of his novel Horns. Personally, I like the idea of King working with Darabont all over again, mainly because The Mist is one of my favorite recent horror films and the style fits right in with The Walking Dead.

Stephen King Lists 10 Things He Knows About THE STAND Film Adaptation

by Jason Barr    Posted: February 3rd, 2011 at 2:56 pm

Earlier in the week, we reported that CBS Films and Warner Bros. were teaming-up to bring Stephen King’s 1978 post-apocalyptic classic The Stand to the big screen.  With one of his most well-known properties getting its shot at cinemas, King recently divulged a tidy list of ten things he knows about the adaptation.  Here’s an example of some of the knowledge dropped by the author in said list:

1. No one will be able to top Gary Sinise, who played Stu Redman in the original ABC miniseries. He was perfect. When he says “You don’t know nothing” to the soldiers who are putting him under mandatory quarantine, you believe his contempt completely. My runner-up pick would be Jake Gyllenhaal.

Hit the jump to check out the full list of things King claims to know about The Stand film adaptation (Hint: it also includes ringing endorsements of both Billy Bob Thornton and Popeye’s slaw).

Pet Sematary Remake Looks For A Director

by Ben Garman    Posted: February 3rd, 2011 at 6:55 am

It was reported back in March last year that Matthew Greenberg, who adapted another of Stephen King’s stories, 1408, would be resurrecting Pet Sematary, and it seems that script is now due to be turned in. Or so says The LA Times whose source is apparently briefed on the project, albeit unauthorised to comment publicly. While Paramount have also declined to comment, executives at the studio are putting out feelers for a “high level” director to tackle the tale of the undead, scalpel wielding toddler.

Mary Lambert’s 1989 original film adaptation starred Dale Midkiff, Denise Crosby, Fred Gwynne and Miko Hughes and told the story of the young Creed family who move to a new house next to a high speed road. When their son Gage is killed on the road, the distraught father buries him in a nearby sacred burial ground that reanimates the dead. Hit the jump for more.

CBS and Warner Bros Team to Adapt Stephen King’s THE STAND; Might Be Multiple Movies

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: January 31st, 2011 at 7:02 pm

Stephen King first published the sprawling post-apocalyptic horror/fantasy novel The Stand in 1978.  Since then it’s been turned into a television miniseries and a Marvel comic book, but not a feature film despite various attempts in the 80s.  (The sheer length of the novel apparently conquered George A. Romero.)  CBS has owned the film rights for many years without a workable idea of how to approach an adaptation.  Universal threw down the gauntlet with the announcement they would turn King’s seven-book series The Dark Tower into a trilogy of films and a TV show.

CBS Films has risen to the challenge and partnered with Warner Bros. to tackle a feature adaptation.  As the studios begin to meet with writers and directors, they will decide whether to write as one film or a series.  More, including the book synopsis, after the break:

Is Christian Bale the Frontrunner to Play Roland Deschain in Ron Howard’s THE DARK TOWER?

by Jason Barr    Posted: January 26th, 2011 at 1:01 pm

Almost a month ago, we reported that Javier Bardem and Viggo Mortensen were the leading candidates to take on the starring role of Roland Deschain in Ron Howard’s The Dark Tower adaptation.  Today, we’re updating the list of candidates to include recent Golden Globe-winner (and current Oscar-nominee) Christian Bale.  Reports are filing in that Bale has not only entered the casting equation but that he is currently director Ron Howard’s choice for the lead role.

For more on the role of Deschain as well as updates regarding possible candidates for female character Susannah Dean, hit the jump.

Universal Pictures to Reboot FIRESTARTER

by Jason Barr    Posted: December 14th, 2010 at 12:09 am

Universal Pictures is teaming up with Dino De Laurentiis Co. to rekindle the flame that was their 1984 sci-fi/horror flick Firestarter.  Based on Stephen King’s 1980 novel of the same name, the original starred Drew Barrymore as Charlie McGee, a young girl who is sought by a government agency for her pyrokinetic abilities.  Mark L. Smith (Vacancy) is currently working on the script with the hopes of getting the project out to directors and into production sometime next year.

According to Variety, the Universal/De Laurentiis production team is looking to make the film a “franchise property” with the latter party citing a “timeless concept” as well as “recent visual effects advances” as key motivators in its reboot.  While plot specifics are limited as of now, it is believed that firebug Charlie McGee will be reinvented with “a little more edge” this time around (apparently starting fires at will isn’t quite enough edge for desensitized 21st century moviegoers).  Although it never received a theatrical follow-up, the original Firestarter was proceeded in 2002 by a Syfy television miniseries entitled Firestarter 2: Rekindled.

FX Renews SONS OF ANARCHY for Fourth Season; SyFy Renews HAVEN for Second Season

by Ethan Anderton    Posted: October 7th, 2010 at 5:41 pm

A couple running series have just been renewed for another season. First up, FX announced (via press release) that they have renewed their hit drama Sons of Anarchy for a fourth season run of 13 episodes. It’s quite an early order for another season considering the current-running third season still has eight episodes left to air on Tuesdays at 10/9c. FX president and general manager says, “Sons of Anarchy is the most popular show FX has ever had. FX is grateful to Kurt Sutter and his team of writers, actors, directors and crew for working so hard to make a show that achieves both those levels of success. We congratulate them and look forward to season four.”

After a successful first season run, SyFy announced (via press release) renewal of their series Haven for a second season run of 13 episodes to start production next spring with a plan to premiere later in the summer of 2011. Haven, starring Emily Rose, is based on The Colorado Kid from renowned author Stephen King.  The series follows FBI agent Audrey Parker (Rose), who takes up residence in the small town of Haven, Maine and soon discovers the town’s many secrets.  A longtime refuge for people with an eclectic range of supernatural abilities, Haven also holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of Audrey’s lost past.  Among the townspeople are local cop Nathan Wuornos (Lucas Bryant) and the mysterious and charming Duke Crocker (Eric Balfour).  Any pleased fans out there?

Stephen King’s THE DARK TOWER to Become a Film Trilogy and TV Series; Ron Howard to Direct First Film

by Ramses Flores    Posted: September 8th, 2010 at 4:11 pm

Universal has announced plans to make a film trilogy and television series out of Stephen King’s epic Dark Tower book series with Ron Howard set to direct the first film.  An adaptation of The Dark Tower has long been in the works with J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindeloff attempting to tackle the project for a few years before giving up last year. A few months passed before we got news that Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Akiva Goldsman had gotten the rights from King and were either planning a trilogy of films or a film that would be followed by a TV series.

Now, we have news of what exactly the plan is going to be.  Hit the jump for the full details along with the press release.

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