Fans of Stephen King have surely read his popular work, The Stand. Some of you may have even seen the TV miniseries of the same name that was based on the book and aired in 1994. But to this date, a movie adaptation has never existed.
It’s been announced that Warner Brothers and CBS Films are teaming up to bring The Stand to a theater near you with the first feature film adaptation of King’s novel. The studios will develop and produce the movies together while WB will handle all of the marketing and distribution efforts. CBS will also have the option to co-finance the movie, as well.
At the moment, no talent is attached to the project, and it’s unclear what King’s involvement in the development might be (though he is expected to take part). It’s planned everyone will chat with potential writers and directors in the coming weeks to determine who will face the arduous tasks of adapting the 823-page book (or perhaps the 1,141-page uncut version?) into a 120-150-minute movie, and who will put it all to screen competently.
Another thing that will be determined is whether anyone even CAN adapt the book into one movie; there is still the chance that they’ll decide to go with multiple films. This would be risky, however, with such a large project.
The Stand tells a post-apocalyptic story about a devastating superflu that wipes out most of humanity, leaving only a small amount of survivors. Those remaining eventually form into two sides, one good and one evil, leading to an epic battle between the two sides.
I know you fans of the book are out there — what writers, directors, and actors do you want to see hired for this adaptation, and how many movies do you think it needs to be?
[Source: Heat Vision]
Frank Darabont MUST be involved.
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A movie was in the works for YEARS before the miniseries got made, and plans repeatedly fell through. The book is far too epic to adapt into a regular movie unless they do it “Lord of the Rings” style, but honestly as risky as that venture was (and considering nobody takes risks like New Line did when Bob Shaye was at the helm), I don’t expect it’ll happen.
Sure they were hampered by network standards and practices (though they did push the envelope in a few respects) and some stuff was omitted, but the miniseries was a damned good adaptation and arguably the best out of all the King ABC miniseries. Leave well enough alone, WB/CBS.
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No. The TV series was campy at times, and the ending was…loopy. But no. You aren’t going to improve on it. I’m amazed they’re even considering this. UNLESS, they still want to let Romero have a shot at it, as King originally intended. Then…maybe.
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I remember when George Romeros name was once linked to a film version. I loved everything about the book- except the ending. An incredbly epic novel with “cheese dripping” closure. The TV film was at least satisfying for it’s time.
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