For a number of filmmakers, making Stephen King adaptations is like eating potato chips: they can’t just stop at one. Mike Flanagan is presently the most active, as he is working on Carrie and Dark Tower shows to follow his films Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep and The Life Of Chuck, but this is a trend that goes back to the beginning of the author’s relationship with Hollywood – the list of directors including George A. Romero, Lewis Teague, Frank Darabont, Tobe Hooper, and Mick Garris. Of course, one of the most significant names in the legacy is Rob Reiner, who has helmed two of the greatest King movies of all time in Stand By Me and Misery… and it is because of this stature that I am disappointed to report his thoughts about potentially making a third.
For this week’s edition of The King Beat, Reiner’s thoughts about making a new Stephen King adaptation is the lead story, but it’s one of multiple treats, as I also have some wonderful trivia for you about the making of the modern classic The Shawshank Redemption and how it very nearly had Tom Cruise in the lead role. There’s a lot to discuss, so let’s dig in!
