Renowned author Stephen King recently expressed his confusion over Warner Bros.' delay in releasing the new film adaptation of his 1975 horror novel, 'Salem's Lot. The movie, which began development in 2019 and was filmed in Massachusetts in 2021, was initially slated for a theatrical release in September 2022 but has yet to hit screens as of 2024.
King, who has a substantial following on X, shared his positive impressions of the film with his 7.1 million followers, describing it as a testament to old-school horror filmmaking with a slow build and a satisfying payoff. Despite his praise, King questioned the studio's decision to withhold the movie, emphasizing that it is not due to any shortcomings in quality.
Directed by Gary Dauberman, known for his work on the 'It' and 'Annabelle' franchises, the 'Salem's Lot' remake boasts a talented cast including Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh, Bill Camp, Pilou Asbaek, Alfre Woodard, and William Sadler. Dauberman, who also penned the screenplay, brings a wealth of horror film experience to the project.
Reports suggest that Warner Bros. may be considering a shift in distribution strategy, potentially opting to release the film directly on their streaming service, Max, rather than in theaters. This decision is reportedly influenced by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, which has increased the demand for content on streaming platforms.
Previous adaptations of 'Salem's Lot' include a 1979 CBS miniseries and a 2004 TNT limited series, both of which garnered attention for their portrayal of King's chilling narrative. The upcoming remake, produced by James Wan's Atomic Monster, promises to deliver a fresh take on the classic tale of vampiric terror.
While Warner Bros. has not yet confirmed the film's future distribution plans, fans eagerly await the opportunity to experience King's haunting story brought to life once again on the screen.
