Summary
- Warner Bros. Discovery announces Salem’s Lot will stream on Max this October after removal from theatrical release.
- Salem’s Lot hoped to replicate the success of the It franchise, with Gary Dauberman writing and directing the remake.
- Stephen King’s 1975 novel adaptation stars Lewis Pullman and revolves around a writer discovering vampires in his hometown.
As a lifelong cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the eerie worlds of Stephen King adaptations, I must say that the latest news about Salem’s Lot piqued my curiosity and sparked a flurry of emotions. The prospect of another take on this classic tale was initially exciting, especially with Gary Dauberman at the helm, given his previous success with the It franchise. However, the rollercoaster ride that has been its release schedule left me feeling like I’ve just finished watching a psychological horror movie myself!
The anticipation surrounding Gary Dauberman’s adaptation of Stephen King’s “Salem’s Lot” has taken a significant stride forward. Originally planned for a theatrical release in 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery later announced that the film would instead be an exclusive for their streaming platform, Max, back in March this year. Although there were rumors suggesting it might shift to cinemas, it has now been confirmed that the movie will stream on Max this October.
Initially, New Line/Warner Bros. intended for Salem’s Lot to be a significant force in the horror genre, much like the It series was several years back. That franchise grossed over $1.1 billion across two films, remaking Stephen King’s 1986 novel after the 1990 TV miniseries. In fact, they recruited Gary Dauberman, who co-wrote those movies, to write, direct, and produce Salem’s Lot, aiming to replicate that success.
As a cinephile, it seems odd to me when I hear about Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) shifting their focus towards theatrical releases rather than streaming exclusives, as stated by CEO David Zaslav. However, the recent decision to bypass theaters for a major Stephen King film appears to be at odds with this new strategy.
Salem’s Lot Was Originally Set for a Theatrical Release
Initially scheduled for release during the Labor Day weekend of 2022, a slot that previously worked well for both “It: Chapter One” and “It: Chapter Two”, Salem’s Lot was unexpectedly taken off the schedule due to reports suggesting that additional filming was needed. The movie was later shifted to April 2023, but it was then moved from that date as well, giving way to “Evil Dead Rise”. After this announcement, the film remained without a release date until it was confirmed that it would instead be streamed online.
Back in 1975, Stephen King unleashed his chilling masterpiece onto the world. Over the years, this novel has been brought to life on the small screen twice, first in a 1979 two-part miniseries directed by Tobe Hooper, and later in a 2004 television adaptation helmed by Mikael Solomon. As a die-hard fan of King’s work, I find myself drawn back to the tale of Ben Mears, a writer who finds himself embroiled in a terrifying supernatural mystery unfolding in the small town of Jerusalem’s Lot, Maine. The residents are mysteriously turning into vampires, and it’s up to Ben to uncover the truth. When the 1979 miniseries graced our television screens on CBS, it was met with critical acclaim and has since amassed a dedicated fanbase. The portrayal of Mr. Barlow in that series set a fearsome standard for future movie vampires.
In the upcoming movie, we find Ben Mears back at his old hometown, where the familiar tale unfolds: a vampire has taken up residence in his childhood home. This discovery compels him to unite with local townsfolk to confront this evil. The cast includes Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh, Bill Camp, Pilou Asbaek, Alfre Woodard, and William Sadler.
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2024-08-24 00:01