Salem's Lot, the film adaptation of Stephen King's 1975 novel about vampires, is set to debut on streaming platform Max in 2024. Originally planned for a theatrical release, the horror film will now be available for audiences to stream. The decision to opt for streaming over a traditional theatrical rollout was made by New Line, the studio behind the project, which is under the same parent company as Max, Warner Bros. Discovery.
The movie, which was initially slated for a September 2022 release, faced delays in postproduction due to COVID-19. As a result, the studio pushed the premiere to spring 2023 before ultimately removing it from the release calendar. Despite the recent trend of releasing films directly to streaming platforms, Warner Bros. Discovery has generally favored theatrical releases to enhance the profile of its movies and boost revenues.
However, 'Salem's Lot' will be an exception to this trend. The film boasts a strong production team, including the minds behind successful franchises like 'The Conjuring' and 'It.' Gary Dauberman, known for his work on 'Annabelle,' serves as the writer, director, and executive producer alongside James Wan, Michael Clear, and Roy Lee.
The plot follows author Ben Mears, played by Lewis Pullman, as he returns to his hometown of Jerusalem's Lot in search of inspiration for a new novel. Instead, he uncovers a dark secret as the town falls victim to bloodthirsty vampires. The ensemble cast also features Alfre Woodard, Makenzie Leigh, Bill Camp, Spencer Treat Clark, Pilou Asbæk, and John Benjamin Hickey.
Prior to this upcoming adaptation, 'Salem's Lot' was previously brought to the screen as a two-part miniseries on CBS in 1979. The new version promises a fresh take on the classic tale, with a talented cast and crew working to bring King's chilling story to life for a new generation of viewers.
