‘Salem’s Lot’: Stephen King’s Vampire Horror Getting First Film Adaption
Stephen King is unquestionably the master of horror novels. His prolific career has garnered him both critical and commercial success. The celebrated author is also no stranger to having his writing adapted into series and movies. The list is almost too long to count, and it shows no sign of slowing down.
Recently, New Line Cinema made an announcement that has King fans really excited. The production company stated that they would be adapting his second novel, Salem’s Lot, into its first feature film.
‘Salem’s Lot’ was Stephen King’s second published novel
After finding success with his first published novel Carrie, King quit his teaching job to focus on writing. His second published novel, Salem’s Lot, was released in 1975. The horror novel was a huge success, eventually winning two awards. It was the first work of King’s to top the New York Times bestseller list.
The story focuses on writer Ben Mears who returns to the town of Jerusalem’s Lot, where he lived as a child. When he arrives, the town is in mourning after the disappearance of a young boy and the death of his brother. However, he soon discovers that the residents are turning into vampires.
“In a way, it is my favorite story, mostly because of what it says about small towns. They are kind of a dying organism right now,” the horror novelist told The Highway Patrolman. “The story seems sort of down-home to me. I have a special cold spot in my heart for it!”
Who will be starring in the adaptation of ‘Salem’s Lot’?
The casting for the upcoming feature film has been making waves in the news lately. The Hollywood Reporter recently revealed that Lewis Pullman will be taking the lead role of Ben Mears. Pullman has appeared in films such as The Ballad of Lefty Brown and The Strangers: Prey at Night. He most recently appeared in the George Clooney miniseries Catch-22.
Starring alongside Pullman will be Makenzie Lee, Bill Camp, and Spencer Treat Clark. Lee had her breakout role in Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk. Camp received a nomination for a SAG Award for his performance in Netflix’s hit series The Queen’s Gambit. Clark is known for his role opposite Bruce Willis in M. Night Shyamalan’s 2019 Glass.
The movie will be produced and directed by some big names
New Line is bringing together some of its biggest names in horror to produce Salem’s Lot. James Wan and Michael Clear, who worked on the hugely successful The Conjuring franchise, will be co-producing the film. Alongside Wan and Clear will be Roy Lee of It fame and Mark Wolper.
Gary Dauberman, who frequently collaborates with New Line, wrote the screenplay and will be directing the movie. Dauberman is known for his work on the Annabelle horror films and as the writer for the newest It movies.
When will ‘Salem’s Lot’ be coming to theaters?
Unfortunately, there is no confirmed release date for the highly anticipated film yet. However, with all the casting going on, the movie is obviously getting in the works.
There has been some good news revealed recently about the movie, though. According to The Landmark, The Princeton Public Library has been booked in September by the production crew for filming purposes.
The local Massachusetts paper reported that location scouts came to view the 1884 building and fell in love with it. Interior work for filming will begin on September 19, with shooting to start the following Monday.
