NEWS -

The Monkey, A Comedy?

Posted: December 19, 2024, 23:51
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According to Theo James The Monkey is a comedy. A dark one but still a comedy.

"He wanted to make a family movie, but an R-rated one," James, who recently saw a cut of the film, says. "It's hyper dark, but also it has heart to it, and it's really funny."

Source

Length Of Never Flinch

Posted: December 18, 2024, 13:14
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It has now been confirmed that Never Flinch is 440 pages long (US edition) and compared to his previous three books it's shorter.

Fairy Tale = 608 pages
Holly = 464 pages
You Like it Darker = 512 pages

The Institute; Trailer, Weekly Episodes & Season 2

Posted: December 6, 2024, 00:59
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MGM+ previewed the upcoming series based on King’s The Institute at Content London on Thursday and during the panel a full trailer for the series was played. They also announced for the first time that King has come on board the project as an executive producer.


The trailer gave a first look at the Institute itself, a cement, brutalist-style building where kids with telekinetic powers are taken after being mysteriously abducted. Luke is seen meeting the fellow children in the Institute as well as villain Ms. Sigsby for the first time, who encourages him that he is doing something good for the world as he is hooked up to machines and made to move objects.

“You’re not kids, not here. There’s no bedtime, there’s no chores. But here, if you break a rule, there’s grown-up consequences.”

Parker says in the trailer as clips flash of the children being abused and tortured.

In King’s book Luke is 12 years old, but for the series they aged him (and other characters) a few years. Director Jack Bender said this was for a good reason.

“We were very aware of not wanting this to be as awful as it can be, what these kids go through. We didn’t want it to be a sadistic experience. There’s a fine line and, god knows, as storytellers we didn’t want to go there.”

Cavell revealed that “The Institute” is connected to King’s universe as the children in the story all have “versions of ‘The Shine,'” the psychic abilities possessed by Danny Torrance in “The Shining.”

Head of MGM+ Michael Wright also teased that their intention is to drop episodes weekly to encourage appointment viewing. He also said a potential second season is already being discussed.

“The end of ‘The Institute’ Season 1 is very cathartic, but it still sets up some fun games for Season 2.”

Skarsgård On Welcome To Derry

Posted: December 2, 2024, 09:59
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Bill Skarsgård talks about returning to Derry as Pennywise.

“It was strange to be back. [Producers] Andy and Barbara Muschietti were doing the show, and I adore them. Most of the crew was the same people that did the movies. So it was this weird thing of going back to this gang of people that you created this thing with,"
"I don’t know why, but Pennywise is very accessible for me," Skarsgård adds. "So in terms of getting back into it, it was just like 'Da da dah!', and he explodes out. He’s so defined, he’s sort of dormant but very easily activated. We explored things that we haven’t explored in the movies – particularly one side of it, which I can’t go into. I hope the fans are excited."

SFX reports that Welcome to Derry takes place in 1962, just 27 years before the events of the first It movie. Pennywise is much more than just a scary clown, and the series is set to explore his terrifying origins.

Greek Review Of Stephen King: Stories From Five Decades of Storytelling

Posted: November 21, 2024, 09:27
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Check out this great review of the Greek edition of my book Stephen King: Stories From Five Decades of Storytelling.

The question that arises for us readers is: Why should I read a book with all these details about an author and his works? The answer is: Simply because you will like it!

It's enjoyable, a quick read, and carries a novelistic feel that seems influenced by King's style and sarcasm.

It's a light, beautiful and quick read.

The Shining stage adaption set for 2025

Posted: November 19, 2024, 21:11
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A stage adaptation of The Shining is heading for the West End stage. It was back in 2017 we first heard about it and then it’s been delayed but now it looks like negotiations are underway with West End theatre owners to find a home for the show, which will open in 2025 in London.


The Shining is set to be produced by the team behind hit Broadway and West End show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Colin Callender’s Playground Entertainment and Sonia Friedman’s Sonia Friedman Productions (The Book of Mormon). The novel is being adapted by Tony Award-winner Simon Stephens.

The stage production of The Shining will stick closer to the plot of the novel than Kubrick’s movie did.

“Stephen King hated the movie. He thought Jack Nicholson was just a two-dimensional villain and he couldn’t stand Shelley Duvall. The book is partly autobiographical – the alcoholic writer, that’s what it’s really about, and the first 115 pages of the book are about the father, husband, teacher, who is an alcoholic and trying to write, and who is having trouble with his son and his wife. All that leads to a climax where going to the hotel is the final straw. None of that is in the film… so the play is rooted in character in the way that I think Stephen King didn’t feel the film was”.
– Colin Callender in a recent meeting of the Broadcasting Press Guild.

In terms of casting, Ben Stiller was rumoured to be starring in the show as crazed father Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson in the movie, although no casting has currently been confirmed for the project.

Never Flinch Out In The UK May 27, 2025

Posted: November 19, 2024, 10:31
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Today Hodder & Stoughton announced that they will publish King’s new book Never Flinch on May 27, 2025.

When the Buckeye City Police Department receives a disturbing letter from a person threatening to ‘kill thirteen innocents and one guilty’ in ‘an act of atonement for the needless death of an innocent man’, Detective Izzy Jaynes has no idea what to think. Are fourteen citizens about to be slaughtered in an unhinged act of retribution? As the investigation unfolds, Izzy realises that the letter writer is deadly serious, and she turns to her friend Holly Gibney for help.

Meanwhile, controversial and outspoken women’s rights activist Kate McKay is embarking on a multi-state lecture tour, drawing packed venues of both fans and detractors. Someone who vehemently opposes Kate’s message of female empowerment is targeting her and disrupting her events. At first, no one is hurt, but the stalker is growing bolder, and Holly is hired to be Kate’s bodyguard – a challenging task with a headstrong employer and a determined adversary driven by wrath and his belief in his own righteousness.

Featuring a riveting cast of characters both old and new, including world-famous gospel singer Sista Bessie and an unforgettable villain addicted to murder, these twinned narratives converge in a chilling and spectacular conclusion – a feat of storytelling only Stephen King could pull off.

Thrilling, wildly fun and outrageously engrossing, Never Flinch is one of King’s richest and most propulsive novels.

We are thrilled to be publishing Never Flinch in 2025. I was held captive from the first page of this brilliantly suspenseful crime thriller. King offers readers both a fascinating exploration of justice and a glimpse into the world of an author on promotional tour, and his description of a woman’s singing comeback is matched only by his brilliant observation of dance in his story ‘The Life of Chuck’, soon to be a major movie. Never Flinch is the perfect entry point to readers new to Stephen King and offers and enticing reunion for fans of Holly Gibney.”
- Philippa Pride, Editor for Stephen King

Cover & Excerpt From Never Flinch; King’s New Book

Posted: November 18, 2024, 18:46
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Here is the cover for King’s next book Never Flinch. Entertainment Weekly has an excerpt that you can check out here. The book is release on May 27, 2025.


Never Flinch features intertwining storylines — one about a killer on a diabolical revenge mission and another about a vigilante stalking a feminist celebrity speaker. The novel features a host of familiar characters, including King's beloved Holly Gibney and gospel singer Sista Bessie, as well as riveting new faces that include a villain addicted to murder.

"When the Buckeye City Police Department receives a disturbing letter from a person threatening to 'kill thirteen innocents and one guilty' in 'an act of atonement for the needless death of an innocent man,' Detective Izzy Jaynes has no idea what to think," reads the book's description. "Are fourteen citizens about to be slaughtered in an unhinged act of retribution? As the investigation unfolds, Izzy realizes that the letter writer is deadly serious, and she turns to her friend Holly Gibney for help."

"Meanwhile, controversial and outspoken women’s rights activist Kate McKay is embarking on a multi-state lecture tour, drawing packed venues of both fans and detractors," it continues.

"Someone who vehemently opposes Kate’s message of female empowerment is targeting her and disrupting her events. At first, no one is hurt, but the stalker is growing bolder, and Holly is hired to be Kate’s bodyguard — a challenging task with a headstrong employer and a determined adversary driven by wrath and his belief in his own righteousness."

Eventually, the twin narratives converge, resulting in a spectacular, chilling climax.

Flanagan Brings Carrie To Present Time

Posted: November 10, 2024, 17:27
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Mike Flanagan brings Carrie from the 70’s to present time.

It initially started as a conversation that Amazon initiated, and they said, 'Hey, would you have any interest in Carrie?' And I had to think about it, because my first instinct is always — why? It's been done perfectly by De Palma, it's then been done three other times after the fact. Why do it again?

Carrie White is a story about high school violence and bullying, and that feels immediate and important today, unfortunately, even more kind of sharply relevant than I think it was when he wrote it. So there felt like a chance for some true modernization beyond just changing the time period, and to use it to talk about the issues that affect high school kids in America today.

You know, Carrie White walking through a metal detector is interesting to me. Carrie White with social media. The iconic scene in the locker room is very different when people have phones in their hands. So that was the first germ of an idea, like, there is room for this to actually have a lot to say that's very relevant. And I can't spoil the changes that we made in order to kind of find a story that felt like it needed to be told. But we made some pretty substantial changes."

When I brought it to Stephen King — because that's the other side of this, if Steve says no, he doesn't want to see it happen, we're not going to do it; I'm not about to do that in that relationship. And so when I mentioned it to him and said, 'What do you think about Carrie for TV?' He said, 'Well, why? Leave her alone . She's good, she's done. I'd rather we focus on other things.'

But when I sent him kind of the layout of how I saw it could work, he really liked it and he came back and said, 'Actually, yes, I think this is interesting, and I think this could be really relevant and could be really exciting.' And so that was when I said yeah, we should do this. I can't talk more about it, other than we're in the writers' room. We're having a great time, and I think we're going to tell a story that will be surprising and impactful, very relevant to our modern society and to issues in our country.

Source

It’s A Really, Really, Really Dark Story

Posted: November 9, 2024, 18:32
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In an interview with Collider Judy Greer opened up about her experience working on The Long Walk, diving into the story’s dark themes and the impressive young talent featured in the film.

Yeah, it’s called The Long Walk . It’s based on a novel Stephen King wrote in 1979. It was in response to the Vietnam War. Our movie kind of takes place again in sort of like a timeless place. Like there’s some technology, but then there’s a lot of throwback elements to the script. Francis Lawrence directed it, and Cooper Hoffman is the star. There are so many great young actors in this movie. I’m excited for all the talent that’s going to emerge.

It’s a really, really, really dark story, and it’ll probably be perfect for when it comes out.

The Long Walk has now wrapped shooting, but no release date has yet been announced.

Selected Shorts: Celebrating 50 Years of Stephen King

Posted: October 28, 2024, 09:51
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From StephenKing.com:

Master storyteller and bestselling author Stephen King burst onto the literary scene in 1974 with the publication of the spine-chilling novel Carrie. On Wednesday, November 13th at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre in NYC (and available to stream) see actors and admirers pay tribute to the legendary author with readings from his sensational short fiction––and an excerpt from the book that launched an extraordinary writing career. Hosted by Colson Whitehead (Harlem Shuffle) with performances by Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan) and more.

Please Note:
· Stephen is not traveling and will not be present at the celebration.
· There will not be a book signing at this event.

Please check the Symphony Space website for up-to-date information.

Tickets and Event Details at Symphony Space

Shining In The Dark Soon Out In Germany

Posted: October 22, 2024, 16:35
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I’m happy to reveal that Buchheim Verlag will release a trade edition of my book Shining in the Dark in German in March 2025. Earlier the book has only been released in a limited print run in German but now everyone will be able to read it.

The book contains Stephen King’s story The Blue Air Compressor not reprinted since 1981 and then it a small magazine as well as an original story by John Ajvide Lindqvist called The Keeper's Companion that so far can only be found here. Just to name a few of all the names included in the book.

You can find more info about the book itself on the official site.

More info to come!

We Have A Winner!

Posted: October 22, 2024, 15:40
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OK, the contest is over, and this one might have been the hardest I’ve had so far. It seems a lot of you misread the question.


The question was this:

King’s first and last book during his 50-year long publishing period (April 1974 and April 2024) have something in common. What is it and what are the titles of these two books?

If we break down the question, we get this:

The timeline for the question: King’s 50-year long publishing period (April 1974 and April 2024). This has nothing to do with any specific book. It’s the time for his first 50-years as a published author and the timespan for the question.

During this period, (April 1974 and April 2024) he published all his books up till Holly. You Like It Darker was released after April 2024 (it was released in May 2024) and has nothing to do with this as I never said his first and last book of ALL his books.

So, for the question the first book is Carrie (April 1974) and the last is Holly (September 2023).

And what those two books have in common is that they both have a female name as their titles which is the answer to the question.

Someone who figured this out and who is also the winner of the signed copy of HEARTS IN SUSPENSION is Matt G. from Claremont, NH. Congratulations and thanks to Veryfinebooks who sponsored this contest!

Flanagan Puts Carrie On TV

Posted: October 21, 2024, 19:06
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Variety reports that Mike Flanagan will adapt Carrie as an 8-part TV serie for Amazon.

A series adaptation of Stephen King’s novel “Carrie” from horror maven Mike Flanagan is in development at Amazon MGM Studios, Variety has learned.

The series logline describes it as a “bold and timely reimagining of the story of misfit high-schooler Carrie White, who has spent her life in seclusion with her domineering mother. After her father’s sudden and untimely death, Carrie finds herself contending with the alien landscape of public High School, a bullying scandal that shatters her community, and the emergence of mysterious telekinetic powers.”

Flanagan will write and executive produce the potential series with Intrepid Picture’s Trevor Macy also serving as an executive producer. Flanagan will also serve as showrunner. Melinda Nishioka will oversee the project for Intrepid. Flanagan is currently under an overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios.

Josh Brolin In Negotiatons To Be In The Running Man

Posted: October 18, 2024, 15:00
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Deadline reports that Josh Brolin is in final negotiations to land the villain role in The Running Man. No details of Brolin’s role have been released but sources say he will play the antagonist behind the violent reality show. If true that means he would play the same character (or a version of him) that Richard Dawson did in the 1987 adaptation.

Until confirmation I would consider this a rumor though.

Salem's Lot Improv In Bangor

Posted: October 18, 2024, 13:41
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A very interesting way to present King’s book Salem’s Lot will take place in Bangor. The audience will have a say in what happens, and this will make each performance different from the others.

Here is what Bangor Daily News said:

Lights, music, improv, vampires.

“A Kick in Your Derry’ere!” will bring all these things to life this week at the Bangor Opera when ImprovAcadia and Penobscot Theatre Company take on mega selling author Stephen King in a sendup of one of his earliest works.

The show will follow the story arc of King’s second novel, “Salem’s Lot,” published in 1975, but be different each night based on suggestions from the audience. In the book, author Ben Mears returns to Jerusalem’s Lot, Maine, to write a novel about his childhood only to find there is a vampire endangering its citizens.

My Thoughts On Lost (Or Found) In Translation

Posted: October 17, 2024, 14:05
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Check out my thoughts about the chapbook Lost (or Found) in Translation here.

It’s not often I think ”I wish I had written that book” but it happens. One time was when I read the book What’s in a Name by Bev Vincent. A more recent time was today when I read the book Lost (or Found) in Translation, also by Bev Vincent. It’s a good thing that his books are so good or I would have been really annoyed with him.

Fairy Tale Goes From Film To Series

Posted: October 16, 2024, 20:48
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Deadline reports that A24 has decided to turn Fairy Tale into a 10-episode series.

Paul Greengrass, who wrote the script and was expected to direct the (first planed) feature will expanded the script with J.H. Wyman. Wayman will also be the showrunner.

Peter Rice will be executive producer alongside Greengrass, Wyman and King.

Scare Up The Vote Event Online

Posted: October 16, 2024, 07:34
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The video from last nights event Scare Up the Vote is now online. They talked about horror but no news about upcoming books or movies were give. Check out the full video here

1.23 in you’ll see Mike Flanagan and Kate Siegel.

2.00 in you can see Joe Hill and Stephen King

Cover for The End Of The World As We Know It

Posted: October 15, 2024, 10:03
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Here's the cover for The End of the World As We Know It. A book with stories taking place during and after the events in The Stand written by numerous different authors (not King though) and with an introduction by King.

Now for the first time, Stephen King has fully authorized a return to the harrowing world of The Stand through this original short story anthology as presented by award-winning authors and editors Christopher Golden and Brian Keene. Bringing together some of today’s greatest and most visionary writers, The End of the World As We Know It features unforgettable, all-new stories set during and after (and some perhaps long after) the events of The Stand.

The book is released August 19, 2025. Pre-order here.

The Rock Bottom Remainders Look Back

Posted: October 14, 2024, 22:49
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On Saturday November 23 at 2:30 pm The Rock Bottom Remainders will look back at
”life on the road”.

Something strange has happened with the author photos though & even though I would love to be there Sam Barry isn’t my stage name :-)

The ROCK BOTTOM REMAINDERS, an endearingly ragtag cover band established in 1992 and mostly made up of high-profile published authors, performed at Miami Book Fair more than a dozen times over the years. And they’re reuniting right here this year, bringing together a lineup not seen together on stage for more than a decade! Meet the latest iteration of the group – which includes MITCH ALBOM, DAVE BARRY, SAM BARRY, ROY BLOUNT JR., GREG ILES, MARY KARR, STEPHEN KING, RIDLEY PEARSON, AMY TAN, SCOTT TUROW, and ALAN ZWEIBEL – as its members look back at “life on the road,” past performances, and oh, yeah – their books. Moderated by author and journalist LISA NAPOLI.

More info here.

Special feature

King calendar

Out now!:
Stephen King: Stories From Five Decades of Storytelling (Greek edition)
2025:
Stephen King: Not Just Horror (Spanish ed.)
2025:
Stephen King: Not Just Horror (German ed.)
February 21, 2025:
The Monkey (movie)
2025:
Stephen King: Stories From Five Decades of Storytelling (German edition)
2025:
Stephen King: Stories From Five Decades of Storytelling (Italian edition)
May 27, 2025:
Never Flinch
May 30, 2025:
Life of Chuck
2025:
Welcome To Derry (TV series)
2025:
Shining in the Dark (German trade ed.)
2025:
The Long Walk (movie)
2025:
The Institute (TV series)
November 7, 2025:
The Running Man

Latest interviews

Angelina Kekish
February 16, 2021
Aaron Haye
February 15, 2021
Eli Roth
October 5, 2020

Latest reviews

Lost (or Found) in Translation
October 17, 2024
Salem's Lot
October 1, 2024
You Like It Darker
May 21, 2024

Richard Bachman

The story of Richard Bachman and how he was exposed.

Author Photo Quiz

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King's best book

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