Stephen King is a Hollywood favorite, with many of his stories being adapted multiple times with varying success. The second novel, Salem’s Lot, was adapted into a TV miniseries in 1979 by Tobe Hooper, followed by another miniseries in 2004. Now, Warner Bros. is releasing a feature film version in October. The book remains the best version of the story, featuring familiar King touchstones like haunted protagonists and creepy settings.
The town of Salem’s Lot is the main character, haunted by its past and the ominous Marsten House. When new tenants, Richard Straker and the ancient vampire Kurt Barlow, arrive, the darkness in the town deepens. The story explores the troubled minds of the townspeople as they confront the evil that has taken root.
The 1979 miniseries, directed by Hooper, stays true to the novel with some character changes and a more creature-feature portrayal of Barlow. The 2004 version, directed by Mikael Salomon, updates the action to the early 2000s and adds a grittier portrayal of the town.
Gary Dauberman’s upcoming adaptation promises a retro 1970s setting with diverse casting and potentially a gorier take on the material. With Dauberman’s horror background, this version of Salem’s Lot may offer a fresh and exciting take on King’s classic tale.