NEWS -

Stephen King Goes to the Movies cover

Posted: July 17, 2008, 22:43
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Here is the cover to Stephen King Goes to the Movies and a description of the book from The Fire Wire:

Here is the cover for the upcoming book, “Stephen King Goes to the Movies” which is scheduled to be released on January 27th, 2009. The #1 bestselling author reflects on the filming of five of his most popular short stories. Those movies are The Shawshank Redemption, 1408, Children of the Corn, The Mangler, and Hearts in Atlantis. The 400 page paperback book includes an introduction, his personal commentary, and behind-the-scenes insights by Stephen King.

Thanks to Larry Fire

More Children of the Corn

Posted: July 17, 2008, 22:41
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Looks like a new Children of the Corn is on it’s way. This news is from Bloody Disgusting:

We broke the news back in June that Producer Donald P. Borchers would be writing and directing his own remake of Children of the Corn for the Sci-Fi Channel and Anchor Bay Entertainment, only that's just the beginning. We learned today that Dimension Films still owns the rights to the Stephen King story and has every intention of adapting it once again for the big screen! No word yet on who will tackle the project, but this could be cool if they do it right. More news as it comes in.

Thanks to everyone who sent me this news.

The Talisman demo

Posted: July 17, 2008, 22:36
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Here is a short film based on The Talisman made by Canadian director Mathieu Ratthe. Maybe this one can get some attention so that this movie eventually be made.

SlashFilm came across an impressive demo reel created by Canadian director Mathieu Ratthe who took it upon himself to write, direct and produce a 6:30 minute demo reel based on the opening chapter of "The Talisman" written by Stephen King and Peter Straub. The rights to the film adaptation have been held by Stephen Spielberg for what seems like forever with directors such as Vadim Perelman (House of Sand and Fog) and Ed Zwick (The Last Samurai) dropping off the project in the past. In 2006 TNT announced the book would be turned into an epic, six-hour adaptation of the story with Ehren Kruger (The Skeleton Key, The Ring) adapting the story. Word was that the adaptation would hit television screens in summer of 2008, but I can only assume if that was actually the case that the writers' strike put a huge kink in the works.
So, this leaves everything in limbo as far as I know, but with Ratthe's short, which actually runs only 4 minutes before the 2:30 minute credit sequence, some eyes may once again open.

He managed to get Cameron Bright (X-Men 3, Birth, Godsend) to star as Jack Sawyer, a boy who goes on a quest through this world and through a parallel world known as The Territories, experiencing both good and evil in each. His goal is to obtain a mysterious talisman that will save his dying mother's life, as well as the life of her twinner, the Queen of The Territories.

Check it out here.

Thanks to everyone who sent me this news.

Samuel L. Jackson in a new King movie?

Posted: July 3, 2008, 00:37
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In an interview with Cemetery Dance Richard Chizmar and Johnathon Schaech revealed the following:

CEMETERY DANCE: You're also involved in several Stephen King projects. Can you update us on their progress?

CHIZMAR/SCHAECH: We have been working on FROM A BUICK 8 for so long and are finally so close to a "go" that we are afraid to talk too much about it and jinx it. What we can say is that we are currently working on one final rewrite for director Tobe Hooper and producer Mick Garris and the good folks at Amicus (producers of the recent STUCK and forthcoming IT'S ALIVE remake). Once the rewrite is completed, they are prepared to go right into pre-production with plans to film on the East Coast.

We also adapted BLACK HOUSE for Akiva Goldsman (A BEAUTIFUL MIND, I AM LEGEND, CINDARELLA MAN) and his Weed Road production company. As opposed to BUICK, where we are writers and producers, we are only writers on BLACK HOUSE, so we are just along for the ride. Hopefully, something will happen soon.

Finally, there is a third King adaptation we are working on with Samuel L. Jackson...but we can't say much about this for another couple months.

From a Buick 8 moving along

Posted: July 3, 2008, 00:33
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Here are some info about the movie version of From a Buick 8:

CHIZMAR/SCHAECH: We have been working on FROM A BUICK 8 for so long and are finally so close to a "go" that we are afraid to talk too much about it and jinx it. What we can say is that we are currently working on one final rewrite for director Tobe Hooper and producer Mick Garris and the good folks at Amicus (producers of the recent STUCK and forthcoming IT'S ALIVE remake). Once the rewrite is completed, they are prepared to go right into pre-production with plans to film on the East Coast.

Under the Dome will be long

Posted: July 3, 2008, 00:24
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According to King's MB moderator, the manuscript for Under the Dome is currently 1100 pages and may reach 1800 pages before he's finished.

And since the final three books in The Dark Tower series were 2500 pages in total in manuscript this is going to be a long book.

Thanks to Bev Vincent

Two Dark Tower comic reviews

Posted: July 1, 2008, 07:56
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Tomorrow Marvel released the last issue of The Long Road Home as well as Dark Tower: End-World Almanac. I’ve had the chance to read them and if you click on the covers below you can see what I think of them.

          

Sketch teaser

Posted: July 1, 2008, 07:54
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Here is a taste from The Stand sketchbook I told you about yesterday. I got this page from the eminent blog and if you go there you’ll find even more.

Thanks to Larry Fire

Dolan's Cadillac is filming in LA

Posted: July 1, 2008, 07:24
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Dolan's Cadillac hits Las Vegas:

It's taken more than a decade to get its motor running, but "Dolan's Cadillac" has finally hit the streets of Las Vegas.

The big-screen Stephen King adaptation -- about a teacher (Wes Bentley) obsessed with avenging his wife's murder at the hands of the title mobster (Christian Slater) -- is scheduled to wrap a three-day shoot Tuesday at locations ranging from the Strip to the Fremont Street Experience to the desert.

The tale (featured in King's 1993 "Nightmares and Dreamscapes") takes place in Las Vegas, but most of the shoot took place far north of Glitter City, in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.

Thanks to Bev Vincent

Interview and sketchbook

Posted: June 30, 2008, 11:54
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Here is an interview with Mike Perkins, who's illustrating The Stand comic. In it (among other things) he mentions a sketchbook that will be released within a week and (like with The Dark Tower sketchbook) it'll be free.

In other words; Go hunt for it now!


The sketchbook introduces you to the initial characters through the design work I've done. There's also some cover roughs and finished designs from myself and Lee Bermejo, as well as the promo piece that was teased in New York at Comic Con.

Stephen's Picks for the week of June 27th, 2008

Posted: June 29, 2008, 11:53
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Stephen has been Reading:
Hollywood Crows
by Joseph Wambaugh
- It is excellent

Stephen has been Watching:
Poultrygeist
- It's hilarious

Stephen has been Watching:
The Happening
- ....so sue me

Stephen has been Listening To:
Just Us Kids
by James McMurtry
- A masterpiece!

Stephen has been Listening To:
Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends
by Coldplay
- Close to a masterpiece!

Dolan's Cadillac

Posted: June 27, 2008, 00:13
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More news about Dolan's Cadillac:

Director dishes on Dolan's Cadillac

Christian Slater, Wes Bentley and Jeff Beesley all have something in common. All of them have however, had a hand in filming the movie Dolan's Cadillac in recent weeks. The movie, which has been filmed in Moose Jaw, Las Vegas and other areas of southern Saskatchewan is just finishing filming near Bethune.

Moose Jaw's Jeff Beesley is directing the film. He says it's been an honour to work with such a talented cast and crew including Wes Bentley and Christian Slater, who play the lead roles. “He (Christian Slater) came in for the first 12 days of production and you know there's a reason he Christian Slater, he's fantastic. There was a long history to this project, a lot of actors wanted to play his part Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dennis Hopper and none of them for one reason or another could do it. So to actually see it happen and see someone like Slater do it I think audiences are really going to be satisfied with what he does”.

We caught up with Beesley during filming north of Bethune yesterday. He says while most of his colleagues have moved to places they consider "greener pastures" ... he says he's really blessed to be able to stay in Moose Jaw, make films and be with friends and family. “It's my hometown and the place I still live and I have long said how great it is for the economy and for the fabric of the community to shoot films in Moose Jaw. Everyone welcomed us with open arms... and I mean the Montreal crew that came and the producers and everyone from all over the world were blown away with the locations we got in Moose Jaw”.

Beesley admits it can be a challenge filming a movie in Saskatchewan that's supposed to be set in Las Vegas, Nevada. “We have to be very strategic about how we do it and we have to work very closely with the art department and the director of photography to make sure it's shot appropriately. There's going to be some CGI in the movie obviously sometimes when we're getting into areas that are too flat we'll be putting in some mountains and there is 4 days of shooting in Las Vegas so we will be getting a lot of authentic locations spun throughout”.

Dolan's Cadillac is based on a Stephen King short story. It's about a man who seeks to avenge his wife's murder We asked Wes Bentley, who plays the lead role what he thinks about working with Beesley. “Jeff's terrible, I hate working with him. He makes everyday so hard”, Bentley laughed. “No, Jeff's a great guy, he's a hidden talent. He took a script that could have been a typical generic revenge movie but Jeff is not a generic man. He's got a beautiful mind and he made this a real joy to work on as well”.

In the film, Wes Bentley plays a man looking to avenge his wife's murder. That means killing a well-protected mob boss played by Christian Slater. No word when Dolan's Cadillac will be ready for theatrical release, but the hope is that it might appear at a film festival as early as next spring.

King in EW

Posted: June 23, 2008, 08:16
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A short article--about a 1/4 page, not a column--appears in the new EW, their 1000th issue. It's a part of a series written by various celebrities called "My Favorite Year". King's is 1999--or, more precisely, 7/1999-7/2000. You'll have to go to page 108 of the 6/27-7/4 issue to read it though.

Also, Playing Against Hype has finally arrived online, and here it is.

Thanks to willowlove.

New Dead Zone movie?

Posted: June 21, 2008, 23:44
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Anthony Michael Hall talks about a Dead Zone movie:

Anthony Michael Hall, who played psychic Johnny Smith on USA Network's The Dead Zone, told SCI FI Wire that there's talk about a movie and that he'd be open to one, but added that he wasn't particularly optimistic about the possibility. Hall starred for six seasons on the show.

"There's talk about it," Hall said during an interview to promote the just-released DVD set The Dead Zone: The Final Season. "I don't think we had the size of a cult following that, let's say, The X-Files did. You look at Sex and the City or The X-Files, these movies were done long after the shows pumped out their last episodes."

Interestingly, The Dead Zone had a previous incarnation as a 1983 feature film, which starred Christopher Walken as Smith. Some shots of the Dead Zone TV pilot appear to have been borrowed from that film, though the TV show introduced new characters and departed greatly from the movie's premise. Both TV show and movie were based on Stephen King's book of the same name.

In any case, Hall said that he remains grateful for his chance to do the show. "I would certainly be open to the potential for [a reunion feature]," he said. "I would never turn my back on what [the show's late producer] Michael Piller did for me. He gave me this incredible opportunity. When I look back at [my] career, I view him and John Hughes as almost guardian angels of my career."

Piller handpicked Hall to play Smith after watching him play Bill Gates in the cable-television movie Pirates of Silicon Valley. "He and his son, Shawn, were great partners, along with [co-executive producer] Lloyd Segan," Hall said. "These guys, we made it a family affair. ... So I was grateful for the experience, and I would certainly entertain it if they wanted to pursue a film. Am I optimistic about it? Not really, but I certainly wouldn't turn my back on the opportunity." (USA Network is owned by NBC Universal, which also owns SCIFI.COM.) --Ian Spelling

Long Road Home covers

Posted: June 18, 2008, 23:04
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Here are all three covers for the fifth issue of The Long Road Home

Click for a larger image Click for a larger image Click for a larger image

Thanks to Takeo Harada

King on Under the Dome

Posted: June 18, 2008, 15:36
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Here is a question about the upcoming Under the Dome from King's official site, with an answer from King himslef:

Question:
In his book The Art of Darkness, Douglas Winter quotes King as saying "I worked on a book called The Cannibals–I had started it five years before, but it was called Under the Dome then. It didn't get finished either time." So according to this quote The Cannibals and Under the Dome are the same book, or more precisely two attempts to write the same story. However SK's comments in the introduction to Blaze suggest that these are two different books. Could you please clarify this, Ms. Mod?

Here's Steve's response:
Those stories were two very different attempts to utilize the same idea, which concerns itself with how people behave when they are cut off from the society they've always belonged to. Also, my memory of THE CANNIBALS is that it, like NEEDFUL THINGS, was a kind of social comedy. The new UNDER THE DOME is played dead straight.

Treachery #1

Posted: June 18, 2008, 08:09
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Here is some info about third arc of The Dark Tower comic; Treachery:

DARK TOWER: TREACHERY #1 (of 6)
Written by ROBIN FURTH & PETER DAVID
Pencils & Cover by JAE LEE & RICHARD ISANOVE
Variant Cover by GABRIELE DELL'OTTO
Sketch Variant Cover by JAE LEE

The ka-tet of Roland, Alain and Cuthbert have returned safely to their home in Gilead. But all is not well. Roland has kept the evil Maerlyn's Grapefruit and has become obsessed with peering into its pinkish depths despite the deadly toll it's taken on his health. And what the young gunslinger sees brings him the darkest of nightmares. Meanwhile, Roland's father has led a posse in search of those who threatened his son's life in Hambry—John Farson and the Big Coffin Hunters. And in this encounter, Stephen Deschain's life may be forfeit.

40 PGS./Cardstock Cover/Parental Advisory…$3.99

Thanks to Takeo Harada

Captain Trips #1

Posted: June 18, 2008, 08:05
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Here is some info about The Stand comic:

THE STAND: CAPTAIN TRIPS #1 (of 5)
Written by ROBERTO AGUIRRE-SACASA
Penciled & Inked by MIKE PERKINS
Cover by LEE BERMEJO
Variant Cover by MIKE PERKINS
Sketch Variant Cover by LEE BERMEJO

It begins here: the apocalyptic epic battle between good and evil based on the classic bestseller by master of horror Stephen King! On a secret army base in the Californian desert, something has gone horribly, terribly wrong. Something that will send Charlie Campion and his wife and daughter fleeing in the middle of the night. Unfortunately for the Campion family--and the rest of America--they are unaware that all three of them are carrying a deadly cargo: A virus that will spread from person to person like wildfire, triggering a massive wave of disease and death, prefacing humanity's last stand! Be there as writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four) teams with artist Mike Perkins (Captain America) for the first arc in the next great Stephen King event!

32 PGS./ Cardstock Cover/Parental Advisory…$3.99

Thanks to Takeo Harada

Stephen King Goes to the Movies

Posted: June 17, 2008, 14:45
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Here are some info about the book Stephen King Goes to the Movies:

Estimated Release: January 27th, 2009
The #1 bestselling author reflects on the filming of five of his most popular short stories. Those movies are The Shawshank Redemption, 1408, Disciples of the Crow, The Mangler, and Hearts in Atlantis.

Includes an introduction, his personal commentary, and behind-the-scenes insights by Stephen.

New design on King's site

Posted: June 17, 2008, 14:44
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Here is a preview of the new Stephen King site that will launch in a month or so. Remember though that it's just a preview so far, a work in progress.

King and Hill at the movies?

Posted: June 17, 2008, 11:49
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King and Hill collaboration to be a movie?

Producer Purchases King, Hill's Throttle
Source:Variety June 17, 2008

Before it has even published, the first literary collaboration between Stephen King and son Joe Hill (who's every bit as good as his pop in the old days) is being snatched up for the big screen.

Throttle, a 60-page novella, is set to appear in the 2009 anthology collection He is Legend, a tome dedicated to Richard Matheson (I Am Legend). According to Variety, producer Nick Wechsler recently optioned the adaptation rights. Wechsler was the key cat to bring Cormac McCarthy's The Road to Dimension Films. His next step is to find the King-Hill material a home to develop it.

Throttle follows a father and son, members of a biker gang, who are tailed by a 18-wheel tanker truck. Yes, there are shades of Duel, but what the hell do you expect from a story that was geared for a Matheson tribute?

King most recently penned Duma Key. Hill is stepping up his book-to-film adaptations with Heart-Shaped Box which is in development with Neil Jordan at the helm. His graphic novel Locke and Key is set up at Dimension.

Thanks to Rocky Wood

Duma Key cover

Posted: June 17, 2008, 11:48
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Here is the cover for the upcoming paperback edition of Duma Key

Children of the Corn again

Posted: June 16, 2008, 22:45
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It seems there is a remake of Children of the Corn in the making...

Some weird, weird, weird news came in this morning that caught me a little off guard. What we received was word that a remake of Children of the Corn is gearing up for production this August in Eastern Central Iowa - and Dimension Films is not involved. Inside you'll find out who is writing, directing and also check out an early shooting synopsis!

Update: The remake is being produced by Anchor Bay Entertainment for a Sci-Fi Channel premiere.

Here's the shocker, Bloody-Disgusting learned that Donald P. Borchers - producer of the original 1984 film - is directing the latest incarnation if CHILDREN OF THE CORN from his own screenplay!

His previous directing credits include Perfect Fit (1999) and Grave Secrets (1989). He also associate produced The Beastmaster (1984).

The film is currently casting with the following synopsis making the rounds: Former Vietnam vet BURT's marriage to former prom queen VICKY is on the rocks, but Burt hopes to rekindle their old flame with a second honeymoon driving trip. Unfortunately, their journey takes them into the heart of darkness - a seemingly deserted rural community that conceals a grim secret among its rows of tall corn...

It was also revealed that this will be a period piece set in the 1970s.

Thanks to Bev Vincent

34th most powerful celebrity

Posted: June 16, 2008, 22:43
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Stephen King is voted the 34th most powerful celebrity according to the Forbes Celebrity 100 List. Read more here
Thanks to Larry Fire

Graduation Afternoon

Posted: June 16, 2008, 22:42
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The Australian magazine Black is publishing King’s short story Graduation Afternoon. Read more here.
Thanks to Rocky Wood and Gary Kemble

Interview with Marsha DeFilippo

Posted: June 9, 2008, 09:07
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You have all read her name in articles about Stephen King. Some of you have read her posts on King’s official message board, now you get a chance to read an interview with her here on Lilja’s Library. Let me present to you Stephen King’s assistant, Marsha DeFilippo.

More Dolan

Posted: June 8, 2008, 14:44
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Here are more info about the filming of Dolan's Cadillac.

Thanks to Bev Vincent

Stephen King Goes to the Movies

Posted: June 8, 2008, 14:28
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Here is some info about an upcoming book about King's movies called Stephen King Goes to the Movies:

According to Scribner, Stephen King provides new commentary and introductions to 5 of his favorite short stories that have been turned into films. The 400 page paperback book will be released on January 27, 2009.

The info is from Larry Fire's Blogg The Fire Wire and you can pre-order the book here.

Thanks to Larry Fire

Review of issue #4

Posted: June 5, 2008, 23:05
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Issue #4 of The Long Road Home is out and here is my review of it.

Dark Tower: End-World Almanac preview

Posted: June 4, 2008, 00:11
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Here are some artwork previews and a description of the upcoming Dark Tower: End-World Almanac. It’s being released on July 2.

Your Guide to the Dark Tower Universe
End-World, full of unexpected surprises, can change at any minute and shows no mercy to its inhabitants. Dark Tower: End-World Almanac, written by Anthony Flamini and Dark Tower: The Long Road Home writer, Robin Furth, is your one stop shop for anything End-World related. Traversing through the destitute dream realm is no pleasant walk in the park for anyone—but what secrets does it hold? Serving as an eye opening experience to the potential dangers that face Roland Deschain and his ka-tet, this book features all new, never before seen artwork by fan favorite David Yardin (Storm) and a cover by the Eisner nominated Dark Tower team of Jae Lee and Richard Isanove. Dark Tower: End-World Almanac, covering such locations like the torn landscapes of Thunderclap, the bitter cold heights of Empathica and other End-World hotspots, is your only chance to fully understand the Dark Tower universe!



Covers for issue #4

Posted: June 2, 2008, 20:18
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Here are the three different covers for issue #4 of The Long Road Home.

Click for a larger image Click for a larger image Click for a larger image

The Pop of King: Playing Against Hype

Posted: June 2, 2008, 00:22
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King has a new column Playing Against Hype out. Read it in the 6/6/08 issue. King discusses the new novel by Andre Dubus III, The Garden of Last Days, and the difference between buzz and hype.

The Stand announced

Posted: June 1, 2008, 21:07
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Yesterday Marvel announced their new King project and it didn’t come as a big surprise that it’s The Stand that’s getting adapted. The comic will be edited by Bill Rosemann who also brings with him an impressive pool of talent to produce this top notch adaptation. Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa handles scripting duties while Mike Perkins draws, inks and provides variant covers. Colorist Laura Martin, letterer Chris Eliopolus and cover artist Lee Berjemo round out this creative juggernaut.

Here is a first look:


And you can see and read more here and here

Thanks to Larry Fire

Dolan's Cadillac on the move

Posted: June 1, 2008, 00:29
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Shooting has begun on Dolan's Cadillac:

Shooting began earlier this week on Dolan's Cadillac in Regina and Moose Jaw, Canada. Based on the story by Stephen King, the cast includes Christian Slater, Wes Bentley and Emmanuelle Vaugier.

Contrary to an initial report that Erik Canuel at the wheel of this psychological thriller, director Jeff Beesley is now directing from a script by Richard Dooling.

"The audience is in for a treat," says executive producer Kevin DeWalt. "We've assembled an incredibly talented cast and a highly skilled crew and are ready to deliver a quality film that will exceed audience expectations." Ellen Wander, executive producer, adds, "The transition from page to screen will not disappoint. This story is one of vengeance, Stephen King style."

Here's an official synopsis provided to Shock by production entity Minds Eye Entertainment: Tom Robinson (Wes Bentley) is a peaceful, law-abiding schoolteacher until his wife Elizabeth (Emmanuelle Vaugier) accidentally witnesses a murder. Jimmy Dolan (Christian Slater), Las Vegas¹ most ruthless and untouchable mob boss, never leaves behind a witness. Haunted by the ghost of his wife, Robinson transforms himself into an obsessed vengeance machine, pushing himself beyond the breaking point of mind, body and spirit. When the two men finally meet deep in the heart of the desert, Dolan's Cadillac climaxes with an amazing test of wills the ultimate duel. The Cadillac, which has been Dolan's armor, may just as easily become his tomb.

Thanks to Bev Vincent

The Old Dude's Ticker

Posted: May 29, 2008, 16:20
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Th ultra-rare King story The Old Dude's Ticker is being reprinted in The BIG Book of NECON edited by Bob Booth, from CD.

There are four different editions of this title; one for every level of reader and collector, but the print runs for the signed editions are VERY small and the available copies will not last long! aND, Yes, king is signing certain editions.

More info...


Thanks to Bev Vincent

Diary of the Dead

Posted: May 26, 2008, 12:33
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Here is a review I have done for George Romero's last Zombie movie, Diary of the Dead in which King has a voice cameo.

Bag of Bones in northern Michigan

Posted: May 14, 2008, 01:15
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Location news about Bag of Bones:

Stephen King: Filming soon at a northern Michigan location near you

Just a month after Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed the new film incentive law aimed at luring Hollywood to Michigan, a movie production company is scouting locations here for the next Stephen King movie.

Rick Hert, executive director of the West Michigan Tourist Association, confirmed Tuesday that he is assisting the State Film Office in finding a remote “time kissed” cabin on a lake, surrounded by tall trees, for King’s characteristic mayhem to be filmed. Hert put the word out to area realtors and the Leelanau Chamber of Commerce and was deluged with replies.

“We had just an outpouring of location offers,” Hert said. “I sent four locations that we think are strong, one that is very strong, back to the State Film Office and now we’re just waiting to hear back from the production company.”

Todd Stachnik said he submitted his family's Leelanau County cottage as a possible location because, “it would bring great publicity to the place and would help our community at large,” but hasn’t heard back.

The production does still have a hush-hush quality about it. When asked whether or not the leading location was in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, or Benzie County, Hert would only say, “Perhaps.”

Hert would say that the King work that was being made into a movie is his 1998 novel, “Bag of Bones.” The plot centers around a novelist with writer’s block who moves into his summer house, oddly named “Sara Laughs,” and is besieged by ghosts.

Gov. Granholm signed the film incentive package, which her office says is the most “aggressive” in the nation, into law April 7. Specifically, the new law provides a 40-percent refundable or transferable tax credit for producing films in Michigan, with an added 2 percent rebate for films produced in core communities.

The new law also provides a 25 percent tax credit for film and digital media infrastructure investments for such activities as building studios or purchasing equipment.

Thanks to Bev Vincent

No fundraiser

Posted: May 14, 2008, 01:13
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Maine fundraiser postponed after King's remarks on military

A Bangor fundraiser featuring three best-selling novelists for Senate candidate Tom Allen has been postponed in the aftermath of a controversy surrounding Stephen King's remarks about literacy and the military.

King, who was scheduled to appear June 7 with John Grisham and Tess Gerritsen, expressed fear Monday that what was meant to be a literary event could have become all too political.

King took flak for comments he made to students on April 4 at the Library of Congress while stressing the importance for job seekers of being able to read. "If you don't," he said, "then you've got the Army, Iraq, I don't know, something like that."

In a statement relayed Monday by the Allen campaign, King said he doesn't want to be a distraction. Said King: "Since that might be the case now, it's best to do this event later, but it's just too good not to do it at all."

Allen spokeswoman Carol Andrews said people who bought tickets to the $25-a-person fundraiser can contact the campaign for a refund.

Allen, a sixth-term Democratic congressman, is challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Thanks to Bev Vincent and Miss X

Special feature

30th anniversary wishes

King calendar

Out now!:
Other Worlds Than These
Out now!:
Carrie TV Series
2026:
Stephen King: Not Just Horror (Portuguese ed.)
2026:
Stephen King: Stories From Five Decades of Storytelling (Portuguese edition)
November 5, 2026:
An Exercise in Murder (Short story by Hill)
November 8, 2026:
The Institute season 2
2026:
Stephen King: Stories From Five Decades of Storytelling (German edition)
2026:
Stephen King: Not Just Horror (German ed.)
May 18, 2027:
Hunger (Joe Hill)

Latest interviews

Caroline Bicks
April 20, 2026
Rex Baluyot
February 4, 2026
Andy & Barbara Muschietti
February 2, 2026

Latest reviews

Other Worlds Than These
October 6, 2026
Locke & Key: Comic, TV, Dramatization & Keys
May 5, 2026
Monsters in the Archives: My Year of Fear with Stephen King
April 21, 2026

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A complete list of all of Stephen King's cameos and actor credits.

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