Stephen King’s Support Helped the Salem’s Lot Reboot Get Its Max Release

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Salem’s Lot movie director Gary Dauberman shared his appreciation for Stephen King’s significant support towards New Line Cinema’s upcoming supernatural horror adaptation. This marks the second time that Dauberman has adapted one of King’s acclaimed novels, after previously writing the screenplays for 2017’s It movie and 2019’s It Chapter Two.

During a recent interview with Total Film, Dauberman confirmed that King’s unwavering support for Salem’s Lotdefinitely played an important role in Warner Bros.’ decision to finally give the movie a Max release. "I’m extremely thankful for Steve’s support," Dauberman said. "Let’s just say it provided some shock support for some of the more bumpy portions of this journey and leave it at that." Before moving to Max, the film was originally meant to be released in theaters. However, due to multiple release delays, it was ultimately removed from Warner Bros. theatrical schedule. Earlier this year, King decided to call out the studio on social media for "holding back" the film’s release, despite the adaptation being "quite good."

Max’s Salem’s Lot movie is written and directed by Dauberman. The film will be led by Top Gun: Maverick star Lewis Pullman as he portrays the role of Ben Mears. According to the official synopsis, "author Ben Mears 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." Joining Pullman are Makenzie Leigh as Susan Norton, Alfre Woodard as Dr. Cody, William Sadler as Parkins Gillespie, John Benjamin Hickey as Father Callahan, Pilou Asbæk as Richard Straker, Bill Camp as Matthew Burke, Jordan Preston Clark as Mark Petrie, Spencer Treat Clark as Mike Ryerson and more.

Salem’s Lot Movie Makes Some Changes to Original Story

The upcoming adaptation will feature some changes to King’s original story, including its ending which will now take place at a drive-in movie theater. According to Pullman and Leigh, they had to undergo stunt training for the film’s new action-packed ending sequence. "My body was broken after," Pullman said on the film’s physically challenging shoot. Leigh added, "I really, really enjoyed throwing my body around and learning from our stunt doubles how the whole process works." Prior to the Max original, King’s novel was first adapted as a two-part miniseries by director Tobe Hooper in 1970. This was then followed by the 1987 movie sequel titled, A Return to Salem’s Lot, which was helmed by Larry Cohen. The latest adaptation of the novel was the 2004 miniseries starring Rob Lowe as Ben Mears.

Besides the Salem’s Lot movie, Warner Bros. is also preparing for the upcoming release of HBO’s newest horror drama Welcome to Derry, which serves as a prequel to the blockbuster It franchise. The nine-episode series is currently slated to premiere in 2025. It will also feature the return of Bill Skarsgård as he finally reprises his iconic role as Pennywise the Clown, after five years since last playing the villain in It Chapter Two. In addition, Skarsgård has also signed on as an executive producer, along with It films director Andy Muschietti and producer Barbara Muschietti.