THE OVERVIEW
The master of macabre, Stephen King, has lauded the on-hold remake of ‘Salem’s Lot’ as a robust and engaging piece, evoking the essence of “Old Hollywood” epics that allowed viewers the luxury of patience.
King admires the film’s gradual tension build-up, akin to classics like The Great Escape, which meticulously crafts suspense while developing robust character narratives.
He highlights a particular scene involving Danny Glick in a hospital with a singular focus on a blood bag, praising the director’s craft as comparable to the legendary John Carpenter at his peak.
Stephen King, the titan of terror literature, took to the digital airwaves of X (formerly Twitter) to express his excitement and dismay over the current status of the newest film version of his heralded novel, ‘Salem’s Lot. Despite the production’s hiatus by Warner Bros., King’s commentary arrived amidst whispers that the movie might bypass theatres for a direct-to-digital premiere on the company’s streaming service, Max.
King’s critique of the impending film, which marks the novel’s second journey from page to screen after a 1979 mini-series and its subsequent sequel, was favorable. He describes the project as “robust and engaging,” a testament to a bygone era in cinema when movies weren’t afraid to slowly lure in their viewers. “It reminds me of the days when films could leisurely unfold,” King expressed. In essence, King seems delighted by the film’s narrative pace, which promises more depth in its character developments. “It’s like watching a horror flick with the deliberate pacing of THE GREAT ESCAPE,” he said.
King acknowledges that while some deviations from his novel may not win his full endorsement, the film remains largely true to his vision. He singled out a sequence with Danny Glick in the hospital as a highlight, extending his compliments to Gary Dauberman, a name synonymous with The Conjuring Universe, suggesting Dauberman’s direction channels the heyday of horror maestro John Carpenter.
Who Will We See in ‘Salem’s Lot’?
Taking the reins as the protagonist, Ben Mears, is Lewis Pullman, a rising star recognized for performances in blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick and thrillers like The Strangers: Prey at Night. Pullman will star alongside a constellation of talents including the Oscar-nominated Alfre Woodard (Cross Creek), Bill Camp (The Queen’s Gambit), Pilou Asbæk (Game of Thrones), Makenzie Leigh (Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk), William Sadler (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), and Spencer Treat Clark (2009’s The Last House on the Left).
The film drops audiences into the life of writer Ben Mears (Pullman), who seeks solace in his birthplace of Jerusalem’s Lot, aspiring to spark his creativity for a new book. Instead, he stumbles upon a horrifying reality: his hometown is entangled in a vampiric conflict with the malevolent creature Barlow.
Dauberman’s rendition of ‘Salem’s Lot’ has been his project since 2019, initially set for a 2022 release. The studio cited the COVID-19 pandemic for the delay to spring 2023. Now, as 2024 looms with no sign of the movie, speculations are rampant about its eventual release. A recent Variety report hinted at Warner Bros.’ intention to potentially steer the film towards a streaming debut, while not ruling out a future theatrical release.
King’s candid thoughts are catalogued in a thread on X, and fans can keep their eyes peeled on FilmSweep for the latest developments on ‘Salem’s Lot’.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Salem’s Lot remake
What is Stephen King’s opinion on the shelved ‘Salem’s Lot’ movie?
Stephen King has spoken favorably about the shelved ‘Salem’s Lot’ movie, describing it as “muscular and involving” and likening it to the classic cinematic experiences of “Old Hollywood.” He appreciates the film’s gradual build-up of suspense and the strong character arcs, akin to the style of classic films like ‘The Great Escape.’ King also praised a specific scene with Danny Glick in the hospital and commended Gary Dauberman’s direction, comparing it to the work of John Carpenter at his best.
Who is starring in the new ‘Salem’s Lot’ adaptation?
The new ‘Salem’s Lot’ adaptation features Lewis Pullman as Ben Mears, the lead character. The film boasts an ensemble cast including Alfre Woodard, Bill Camp, Pilou Asbæk, Makenzie Leigh, William Sadler, and Spencer Treat Clark.
Why has the release of ‘Salem’s Lot’ been delayed?
The release of ‘Salem’s Lot’ has been delayed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the studio. Initially set for a 2022 release, the film was postponed until spring 2023. As 2024 approaches, the release format—whether streaming or theatrical—remains uncertain, although a streaming premiere on Warner Bros.’ Max service seems likely with a potential theatrical release in the future.
Will the new ‘Salem’s Lot’ movie be faithful to Stephen King’s novel?
Stephen King indicated that while there are some diversions from his book in the new ‘Salem’s Lot’ movie, the film is generally faithful. Although he doesn’t agree with every change, on the whole, he seems content with the adaptation.
Can we expect to see ‘Salem’s Lot’ in theaters?
As of the latest information, Warner Bros. has suggested that while a streaming release on Max is probable for ‘Salem’s Lot,’ there is still a possibility that the film could have a theatrical release in the future.
More about Salem’s Lot remake
- Stephen King’s Thoughts on Salem’s Lot
- Salem’s Lot Delayed Release Explained
- Lewis Pullman Leads Salem’s Lot Cast
- Warner Bros. Streaming Strategy for Salem’s Lot
- Comparing Dauberman to John Carpenter
5 comments
i read Salem’s lot every halloween, its like tradition, not sure how I feel bout it being a movie again, the mini series was okay, but hey it’s King’s work, so will give it a chance
oh the irony, discussing Old Hollywood and longer attention spans in a world where we cant even get a movie released on time, and here I am complaining about it in a comment section
so King actually likes it?? thats a good sign i guess, usually adaptions butcher the original work, hope they keep that scene with Glick as creepy as it sounds
man, was really looking forward to this, the suspense is killing me more than the vamps would lol, any1 knows why it keeps gettin pushed back?
didn’t even know Warner had a streaming service. max right, seems like everyone’s got one now, just show us the movie already