First Official Glimpse of New Stephen King Adaptation Unveiled

Warner Brothers alleviated rising uncertainty on Tuesday by announcing the release of “Salem’s Lot” is still on track. Initially planned for a theatrical release, the film was later shifted to debut on Max, creating anxiety among fans of the Stephen King classic. Concerns grew particularly strong given the studio’s recent habit of vaulting completed films as tax write-offs.

Despite the film heading directly to streaming, “Salem’s Lot” director Gary Dauberman assures that it captures the essence of a drive-in creature feature. The sensation he describes conjures the nostalgic excitement of watching horror movies in communal settings.

“It’s this crazy sugar-high of a scene. I thought, ‘Yeah, this is what this is. This is a drive-in movie,'” Dauberman shared with Vanity Fair, referring to a scene inspired by the first-edition cover of King’s novel. “As with most horror movies, I think audiences really elevate the experience. So I think getting as many people as you can cram on the couch would be my preferred way to watch this.”

Gary Dauberman both directs and writes the script, while James Wan’s Atomic Monster produces the film. Lewis Pullman takes on the leading role, supported by an impressive cast that includes Makenzie Leigh as Susan Norton, Alfre Woodard as Dr. Cody, Bill Camp as Matthew Burke, Pilou Asbaek as Richard Straker, and Jordan Preston Carter as Mark Petrie.

The ensemble is rounded out by Spencer Treat Clark as Mike Ryerson, John Benjamin Hickey as Father Callahan, Nicholas Crovetti as Danny Glick, and Cade Woodward as Ralph Glick.

“Salem’s Lot” is slated to premiere on Max this October. Additionally, the original two-part series adaptation of the novel is available for rental on various movie platforms.