Steven Weber Didn’t Dream of Playing Jack Torrance

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Over the course of his extensive career in television and film, the actor has recently found success portraying Dr. Dean Archer on NBC’s Chicago Med. Yet, for certain fans, one of Weber’s most memorable performances was as Jack Torrance in the less recognized TV miniseries remake of The Shining, where he bravely stepped into the shoes of a character previously played by Jack Nicholson in Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel.

In an engaging chat with George Edelman from MovieWeb, I reminisced about my experience in bringing one of Stephen King’s novels to life on screen with remarkable faithfulness. Here’s a glimpse into the journey that led to the creation of the captivating three-part ABC series:

“As we delved into the intricate world of Mr. King, it was our shared passion and dedication that fueled our ambition to deliver an adaptation that would resonate with both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. It took countless hours of brainstorming, collaboration, and hard work, but ultimately, we were driven by the compelling narrative and timeless themes that King’s works so eloquently convey.

The creation was motivated by the fact that die-hard Stephen King fans, including Stephen King himself, appreciated Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation featuring Jack Nicholson but found it to be inaccurate to the original book. While Kubrick was highly talented, he strayed significantly from the storyline. Notably, Stephen King disapproved of these departures, so he aimed to correct them. I believe it achieved success on multiple fronts. Although it was a television adaptation and therefore lacked graphic violence, it remained remarkably true to the book. This fidelity meant that there were numerous scary moments directed by Mick Garris and Rebecca de Mornay.

Steven Weber Didn’t Think About Stepping into the Shoes of Jack Nicholson

In an unexpected move, Steven Weber took on the challenging role that often leaves veteran actors trembling – the lead part in “The Shining.” Jack Nicholson, a renowned actor from multiple generations, delivered an unforgettable performance as Jack Torrance in 1980, a role widely recognized as one of the most iconic film appearances ever. Remarkably, Weber didn’t seem to fully grasp the weight of following such a legendary actor. As he put it:

In our attempt, we aimed to stay true to the characters in the story. Interestingly enough, neither foolishly nor wisely, I didn’t consider myself stepping into Jack Nicholson’s shoes. Instead, I immersed myself in the character and gave it little thought. Looking back now, I realize that perhaps I should have given more consideration to specific elements of the role. This is because, at the time, I wasn’t fully aware that The Shining isn’t primarily about monsters in a haunted house; it’s about alcoholism. With life experience under my belt, I find myself thinking, “Oh, God, f*ck,” wishing I could go back and re-explore many scenes more deeply because I understand the depth of that meaning now.

Instead of focusing solely on alcoholism, let’s delve into the broader concept of addiction and harmful behaviors, and their impact on an individual. This understanding can lead some to view the afflicted as seemingly monstrous.

While some might argue that the miniseries adaptation of “The Shining” doesn’t compare favorably to Kubrick’s original version, it offers a wealth of enjoyment for dedicated Stephen King fans due to its extended runtime and faithful portrayal. For Weber, it’s great that both versions can coexist, as each has its unique place in the world of “The Shining.” He further commented:

As a movie connoisseur, I’d say it was skillfully executed and definitely worth a watch. Fans can’t get enough of it – I see that at conventions where people are buzzing about this very show. You know, just like how The Shining is revered, so too is Mick Garris’s version and Stephen King’s interpretation of the story. These adaptations can stand alongside Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film within the same universe.

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2025-04-10 02:04