To the chagrin of many Stephen King fans, Salem’s Lot — the latest movie adaptation of the horror master’s 1975 bestseller — will bypass theaters and debut on Max.
So we’ll be deprived of the big screen experience, and non-subscribers will have a hard time accessing the film.
That’s the bad news.
The good news is that early buzz about the project has been ecstatic, and a new trailer released today promises a suitably spine-tingling experience.
Over the familiar strains of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Sundown,” author Ben Mears (Lewis Pullman) “returns to his childhood home of Jerusalem’s Lot in search of inspiration for his next book, only to discover his hometown is being preyed upon by a bloodthirsty vampire.”
The film also stars Alfre Woodard, Makenzie Leigh, Bill Camp, and William Sadler.
As you might’ve gathered from the logline, this is King at his Kingiest.
A writer in Maine confronting a supernatural force that surpasses understanding might be familiar territory for fans of the literary juggernaut.
But it’s possible that the author never explored that terrain quite as effectively as in the novel that he once described as his favorite among all his books.
The story was already adapted for the screen once.
However, the 1979 CBS miniseries is unlikely to spook many modern viewers.
Don’t get us wrong — it’s a solid effort that’s worth hunting down if you’re a King completist.
But iconic director Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Poltergeist) was heavily constrained by the broadcast standards of the era.
Something tells us the new version, from director Gary Dauberman (Annabelle Comes Home) won’t be pulling any punches.
The film is set to debut on Max on October 3 — just in time for spooky season.
And thanks to the continued popularity of the novel, the movie will arrive with the benefit of a built-in audience.
Over to you, TV fanatics. Are you excited about this latest contribution to the massive Stephen King film library?
Or do you think this particular vampire tale is a little too long in the tooth?
Hit the comments section below to share your thoughts!