Mike Flanagan Is Excited About 2025’s Epic Stephen King Adaptations and One Title He’s Curious About

by

Mike Flanagan, known for films like ‘Gerald’s Game’ and ‘Doctor Sleep’, demonstrates a remarkable knack for adapting Stephen King’s works to the big screen. This skill is a natural extension of his deep-rooted love for King’s literature. He calls himself a dedicated reader of King’s books, and his understanding encompasses both the novels and the movies and TV shows based on them. The year 2025 holds special significance for Flanagan as not only does his new movie, ‘The Life Of Chuck’, hit theaters, but he eagerly awaits other upcoming Stephen King projects as well, filled with excitement.

This week’s column on The King Beat features an exclusive lead story from my recent interview with Mike Flanagan. With the limited release of The Life Of Chuck starting this Friday, June 6, it promises to be a memorable week for Stephen King enthusiasts everywhere. So, let’s dive right in!

Mike Flanagan Is Thrilled With The Stephen King Renaissance Of 2025, And He Is Just As Curious As Any King Fan About The Long Walk

2025 is breaking new ground in terms of Stephen King adaptations, as it’s not common for a year to see so many releases. Already, Osgood Perkins’ chilling film, “The Monkey,” has left audiences spellbound with its gruesome mayhem, and the emotional “The Life Of Chuck” is about to hit screens soon. However, this is just the beginning, as there are an additional four theatrical movies and shows set to premiere between now and December – and Mike Flanagan can hardly contain his excitement for each one!

Flanagan, who’s working on adaptations of Stephen King’s “Carrie” and “The Dark Tower” series, showed a sincere enthusiasm about the upcoming King projects during our chat at the Los Angeles press day for “The Life Of Chuck”. While he was excited about all the upcoming King movies and TV shows, there’s one title in particular that has piqued his curiosity exceptionally. When asked about his thoughts on these projects slated for 2025, Flanagan expressed eagerness across the board, but mentioned a specific title that has caught his attention more than others.

I’m absolutely hooked as a fan, eagerly awaiting every development, a feeling I’ve had since I was young. Particularly intriguing to me is how they plan to execute The Long Walk – it seems impossible, but with our friend Mark Hamill on board, I’m genuinely excited and would have been so even without him.

The question, “How on earth are they going to pull that off?”, has been a common one among Stephen King’s fans regarding the adaptation of “The Long Walk“. Now, we’re merely months away from discovering the answer. Directed by Francis Lawrence and scripted by JT Moller, the movie is said to be unflinching in its portrayal of violence, a commitment that resonates given the source material’s raw intensity, which is a testament to King’s reputation in the horror genre for publishing hardcore content.

According to Flanagan, the movies “The Life Of Chuck” and “The Long Walk” have a connection in that they both feature Mark Hamill as part of their supporting actors. However, the roles and atmospheres of the two films are strikingly distinct. In the first movie, Hamill portrays Albie Krantz, the rough yet endearing grandfather of Chuck who fosters his love for mathematics. Conversely, in the second film, Hamill plays The Major, the instigator of the titular event where a group of teenage boys are forced to walk until only one remains, essentially participating in a death march.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that “The Long Walk” will be my pick among Stephen King adaptations gracing the big screen in 2025, with Lionsgate planning to release it on September 12. Post-September, the fall season promises an abundance of cinematic delights!

Edgar Wright’s “The Running Man” is set to be a blockbuster towards the end of the year (slated for November 7). Meanwhile, the small screen will come alive with the premieres of “IT: Welcome To Derry” on HBO/HBO Max and “The Institute” on MGM+.

There’s quite a bit of Stephen King content out there right now – from his latest novel “Never Flinch” to his upcoming take on “Hansel & Gretel” (due this fall). Despite the abundance, the wide range in themes, characters, and moods ensures you won’t feel overwhelmed or tired of it. It’s amazing how different each piece – whether film, TV, or literature – feels, showcasing the immense breadth and versatility of King’s writing skills.

Mike Flanagan has played a significant role in the Stephen King revival that’s been unfolding in Hollywood since 2017, marked by the debut of both “Gerald’s Game” and “IT: Chapter One”. However, he manages to keep a fan’s perspective on it all. He’s just as thrilled as anyone else to see King’s tales being acknowledged, expressing his joy over the author’s stories receiving recognition.

It seems like every few years, people talk about a resurgence in Stephen King’s writing, which I believe is testament to both the vast amount of his work and the ongoing demand to bring it from books to movies. As an avid fan, I couldn’t be more excited to immerse myself in the world that Stephen King has created.

In a limited release on Friday, followed by a wider launch on June 13, the movie titled “The Life Of Chuck” boasts an impressive ensemble of actors such as Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Jacob Tremblay, Tom Hiddleston, and Mark Hamill. However, Mike Flanagan’s contributions to Hollywood’s Stephen King legacy show no signs of slowing down. He continues to dedicate himself to creating a truly authentic adaptation of “The Dark Tower“, a project that promises to be in development for several years. Additionally, he is currently busy working on the new “Carrie” series for Amazon Prime Video, which recently announced additions to its cast including Samantha Sloyan and Amber Midthunder this week.

The Life Of Chuck Has Launched A Special Gifting Program That Will Allow Fans To Spread The Love Of The Film With Friends And Family

I often call Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank Redemption” an antidote for cynicism, and Mike Flanagan’s “The Life of Chuck” (released in 2025) shares that same uplifting spirit. While the former film, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, is a heartwarming tale about finding hope amidst despair in a prison setting, the latter explores the intricate depths of human nature and celebrates joy in our brief lives on earth. During trying times, “The Shawshank Redemption,” an adaptation of Stephen King’s work, offers a comforting message that resonates strongly, and Neon has collaborated with Fandango and AMC Theatres to make it more accessible for audiences everywhere.

Toward the end of last week, news broke out that the distributor for “The Life Of Chuck” collaborated with two major cinema giants on a project now known as a “gift-giving program.” Essentially, this involves… According to a press statement.

Purchasers of The Life of Chuck tickets from Fandango or AMC will get a special link post-showtime to share the movie with their loved ones as a gift, allowing them to enjoy the film’s delight together.

The movie titled “The Life Of Chuck” was first screened last autumn at the Toronto International Film Festival. Not only did it receive universal praise from critics, but it also bagged the festival’s prestigious People’s Choice Award. It’s an awe-inspiring viewing, and after “Gerald’s Game” and “Doctor Sleep,” it marks Mike Flanagan’s third outstanding adaptation of Stephen King’s works, joining the ranks of the finest King movie adaptations ever made. If it isn’t showing at a cinema near you this weekend, make sure to seek it out at your local theater when its screenings increase.

Wrapping up this week’s The King Beat, I trust that if there’s one thing you’ve gleaned from my writings, it’s the constant evolution and activity in the realm of Stephen King. Join me again here on TopMob next Thursday for a fresh take on the latest updates from the upcoming week. Until then, delve into the rich screen history of King through my series Adapting Stephen King. I’ll guide you through it!

Read More

2025-06-05 19:09