Title: 8 Imminent Stephen King Adaptations That Have Us Thrilled Beyond Belief
In the half-century span since the initial release of Carrie, Hollywood's affinity for Stephen King adaptations shows no signs of waning. Audience demand remains high, and with King's prolific nature, there's no shortage of material for adaptation. From re-imaginations to fresh takes, this list features eight highly anticipated King projects.
The Monkey
Osgood Perkins, appreciated for his work in Longlegs, spearheads this chilling adaptation of King's 1980 short story. Producers, including horror maestro James Wan, added to the creep factor. Arriving in theaters on February 21, 2025, the poster of the film boasts the ominous tagline: "Everybody dies. And that's fucked up."
The Running Man
Edgar Wright directs and co-writes this revitalized adaptation of the nihilistic King novel, harkening back to the original narrative instead of the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, with Glen Powell playing the lead, and a November 7, 2025, release date.
The Long Walk
Francis Lawrence, known for Hunger Games prequels, is linked to this chilling adaptation of King's 1979 novel about a fatal march. Despite delays due to Lawrence's commitments to the Hunger Games series, production remains on track for a 2026 release.
It: Welcome to Derry
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry diverges from typical King adaptations, expanding the universe created by King and director Andy Muschietti's recent It films. Muschietti co-directs five of the nine episodes, with a diverse cast and an anticipated 2025 release.
Fairy Tale
A rare fantasy tale from King, Fairy Tale will be adapted to a 10-episode series, featuring an A-list cast and director Paul Greengrass. While a release date has yet to be announced, the buzz surrounding this project is already high.
The Life of Chuck and Carrie
Mike Flanagan, the mastermind behind horror series like The Haunting of Hill House, returns with two King adaptations. The Life of Chuck, featuring Tal Hiddleston, releases on May 30, 2025, while Carrie is set for a 2026 release on Prime Video, and much-anticipated hype surrounds both projects.
The Institute
The eight-episode series adaptation of King's 2019 novel, about kids with psychic abilities held captive in a secret facility, is currently in production by MGM+. With Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker on board, anxious fans eagerly await its 2023 release.
King adaptations remain a popular and enduring staple in the entertainment industry, with no sign of slowing down as long as King continues to produce best-selling material. The following projects, while not included in the initial list, also garner interest from King's passionate followers:
- The Talisman, a collaboration between Amblin Entertainment and the Duffer Brothers, is currently in development2.
- Mike Flanagan's unnamed 2025 feature, featuring sci-fi elements and positive reviews from critics4.
After the success of these King adaptations, ion9.com reported on rumors of a potential movie adaptation of King's short story "The Monkey" for a 2025 release. Additionally, technology advancements are likely to play a significant role in bringing King's futuristic novel "The Talisman" to life in a collaboration between Amblin Entertainment and the Duffer Brothers.
