Stephen King’s “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream” Adaptation: What We Know So Far!

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2024 saw the publication of “You Like It Darker,” one of Stephen King’s outstanding short story/novella collections, a claim backed by his extensive bibliography that includes masterpieces like “Different Seasons,” “Four Past Midnight,” and “Skeleton Crew.” Each spine-tingling tale is unique in its chilling allure, but none evoke the silver screen as vividly as “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream.” I’m absolutely thrilled that this captivating piece is being brought to life by the talented James Ashcroft, who has previously worked on “The Rule Of Jenny Pen.

Last Friday, I had a fascinating chat with a renowned New Zealand filmmaker. A large part of our conversation revolved around Stephen King, delving into his opinions on “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream” and the impact of the iconic author on “The Rule Of Jenny Pen”, an outstanding movie currently in limited release. This King-centric discussion forms the core of this week’s The King Beat edition, and there’s plenty to unpack, so let’s delve right in!

The Rule Of Jenny Pen Director Is Adapting Stephen King’s Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream, And I Couldn’t Be More Excited

Last summer, I vividly recall savoring every moment of “You Like It Darker,” bypassing any desire for it to conclude. It’s a brilliant demonstration of Stephen King’s current storytelling prowess: it introduces an intriguing enigma, showcases intricate and captivating characters, and deftly weaves the supernatural while maintaining a strong anchor in reality. As I immersed myself in the novella, I found myself visualizing a movie adaptation, and I sensed that James Ashcroft shared this sentiment.

In recent weeks, rumors have surfaced online about a film adaptation of “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream“. During our chat, I couldn’t help but inquire about it with Ashcroft. While he was cautious about revealing much detail regarding the project, his enthusiasm for the content and eagerness to explore its themes were evident.

I’m rather tight-lipped on the subject, but let me tell you, I adore that tale, and so does my collaborator Eli Kent, whom I frequently work with. In my opinion, it’s a uniquely captivating story. It possesses an air of classic Stephen King while remaining strikingly contemporary and relevant. Additionally, it carries a thoughtful, reflective undertone, much like the other narratives in You Like It Darker. To put it simply, I’m deeply invested in that story and eagerly await the opportunity to discuss it further.

One of the twelve compelling short stories or novellas in Stephen King’s 2024 collection, “You Prefer Things Dark,” is entitled “Danny Coughlin’s Nightmare” – a title that also houses the sequel to “Cujo,” referred to as “Rattlesnakes.” Check out the deal here.

In the story “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream”, the main character, Danny, who works as a janitor at a high school in Kansas, experiences his life turned upside down due to an unexpected nighttime vision. In this dream, he envisions a corpse buried at a gas station, something he has never experienced before in his life. The vividness of the dream haunts him, and he can’t ignore the reality of what he saw. He digs deeper into details that remain etched in his memory, eventually locating both the gas station and the body. Acting on his conscience, he contacts the police about the discovery… however, taking the right course of action brings forth harsh repercussions.

In the absence of any natural explanation for discovering the corpse, Danny emerges as the main suspect under scrutiny in a homicide probe. Detective Franklin Jalbert, who heads this investigation, shows signs of being somewhat eccentric.

At present, James Ashcroft is busy transforming the Alex North novel “The Whisper Man” into his next project, which serves as a follow-up to “The Rule Of Jenny Pen”. We’re eagerly awaiting updates about his upcoming work titled “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream“.

The Rule Of Jenny Pen Director Discusses The Influence Of The Shining And Stephen King’s Response

Stephen King privately contacted James Ashcroft expressing his desire to adapt “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream“, motivated by his admiration for Ashcroft’s recent film project. King had the opportunity to watch “The Rule Of Jenny Pen” last fall during its world premiere at Fantastic Fest, and he was extremely impressed – going so far as to say it was “one of the best films” he saw that year on Twitter and encouraging viewers to watch it. Before sharing his public praise online, however, he first sent Ashcroft a personal message.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, let me share an enchanting tale about discovering that Stephen King himself admired my work. It was nothing short of magical when I found out!

It was eerie since I found myself in Book Soup on Sunset Boulevard, specifically in the horror section near Stephen King’s books on a shelf, when my phone suddenly notified me. An email from Stephen popped up, filled with extremely flattering words that made me exclaim loudly. The lady at the counter seemed curious about the commotion in the horror section and asked what was going on. A few minutes later, my phone started ringing off the hook with people asking if I had seen a certain Tweet. Confused, I replied that I hadn’t, so they told me to check it out myself. After doing so, I let out another expletive.

Beyond merely appreciating Stephen King promoting his work, James Ashcroft was also deeply grateful for the author’s consistent efforts in backing other creative individuals. Readers of The King Beat and followers of King on Bluesky and/or Threads are well-aware that he frequently shares recommendations for new movies, shows, and books he is consuming. In addition, Ashcroft noted.

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but appreciate the generosity of Stephen King. His work has been a constant companion for years, and what strikes me most is his unwavering support for budding artists. Whether it’s literature, cinema, or the arts in general, he consistently nurtures new talent – something he doesn’t have to do but does so passionately. He stays remarkably tuned-in to the global artistic landscape.

A tweet of his that I’ve actually framed serves as a testament to this. It’s not just an endorsement, it’s been incredibly helpful in advocating and promoting the release of our film too. Truly, he walks the talk when it comes to championing art.

There’s more to this connection than meets the eye. Watching “The Rule Of Jenny Pen” alongside Stephen King’s works, one might notice a clear resemblance to Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of “The Shining“. Keep an eye out for the number “237” and a scene involving old photos, if you don’t want to miss the hidden references. When I questioned Ashcroft about the influence of this classic horror film, he didn’t refute the connection.

As a film enthusiast, The Shining has indelibly marked my perception of long corridors for anyone wielding a camera. It’s an unparalleled influence that leaves rivals in its wake. I recall first encountering it when I was around ten years old, and it aired on television one Saturday evening. I walked away from that experience with a sense of bewilderment, asking myself, ‘What did I just… experience? It was like being enveloped in a mysterious, ambiguous atmosphere where certain scenes didn’t immediately make sense to my ten-year-old mind. And the question that lingered was: what does the ending truly mean?

In “The Rule of Jenny Pen,” Geoffrey Rush portrays Stefan Mortensen, an irritable judge residing in a nursing home following a stroke. He is subjected to constant torment by a malevolent and cruel resident named Dave Crealy (John Lithgow). Notably, there are references to Easter eggs, and the film’s Royal Pine Mews setting shares similarities with the notorious Overlook Hotel, as Ashcroft pointed out.

The Shining is a movie that’s hard to forget because it’s so rich in atmosphere, like submerging yourself in tar. Once you’re in, there’s no escape. It permeates everything. The film’s unique quality lies in its ability to take spaces that are typically lively and filled with energy, and make them feel eerie and charged when they’re emptied out. I find the concept of the rest home particularly fascinating because during the day, it seems ordinary and peaceful. But at night, it falls silent, almost ominously so, making the once familiar spaces feel unsettling.

In the digital realm, this particular ambiance is often referred to as “liminal space.” Masterfully employed by James Ashcroft within “The Rule Of Jenny Pen,” it gives off a sense of safety in the rest home when residents are moving about common areas during the day. However, those same areas can feel eerie and deserted at night, especially with Dave Crealy lurking around – as director’s touch adds to the chilling atmosphere.

In the realm of Crealy, the locals are remarkably calm. Yet, beneath this tranquil facade, our protagonist sheds his composed exterior and unleashes his wild side. He is intimately familiar with every corner of this place. The contrast between a bustling environment and its subsequent emptiness, along with the shift in ambiance from lively to isolating and lonely, is a sensation we’ve always aimed to evoke.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that “The Rule of Jenny Pen” is currently gracing the big screens in select theaters across the country. For those who can’t make it to the theaters just yet, fret not! This chilling masterpiece will be available for streaming on Shudder at a date to be announced later this year. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the suspense and thrills of “The Rule of Jenny Pen” from the comfort of your own home!

If you’re yearning for more Stephen King, why not explore these recent updates? I’ve got news about the Netflix remake of ‘Cujo’, due soon, and Edgar Wright’s thoughts on Glen Powell’s performance in ‘The Running Man’, set to hit theaters in November. Once you’re done with those stories, keep a lookout for my weekly King Beat column here on TopMob, published every Thursday.

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2025-03-13 19:08