Only Shakespeare Surpasses Stephen King
IBNA International Book News Agency – Elaheh Shams: In recent weeks, a new wave of King adaptations has gained momentum. Three feature films based on his novels and short stories have been released, and two television series have also premiered simultaneously. The latest project in production is the series Carrie, directed by Mike Flanagan, set to air in 2026.
According to IMDb statistics, over 400 visual works bearing King’s name have been made since Brian De Palma’s first film adaptation of Carrie in 1976. Among all writers in history, only Shakespeare, with approximately 1876 adaptations, stands ahead of him.
Flanagan, who previously directed Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep, recently reaffirmed with his acclaimed film The Life of Chuck that King is not merely a “horror writer.” He states: “At the heart of his works, King is an optimistic, empathetic, and principled human being. Fear is a byproduct of his worldview.”
The appeal of King’s adaptations is not limited to external horror. Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and Rodrigo Cortés, two Spanish filmmakers, have emphasized in their experiences with Pet Sematary that the essence of King’s works lies in everyday life and intelligent character development; something many adaptations sacrifice.
Spanish director Carlota Pereda, who refers to her adaptation as “Carrie in Extremadura,” says the best films derived from King are built on human conflicts and familiar life, not just monsters and violence.
From The Shining and Misery to The Shawshank Redemption, some adaptations have become masterpieces, while others are mediocre or even forgettable. Cortés, who defends The Life of Chuck and the classic version of Pet Sematary, calls Francis Lawrence’s adaptation of The Long Walk “noteworthy but not lasting.”
King’s persona and “brand” are a major asset to the entertainment industry. Even the mention of his name on a poster is enough to attract attention; just as his supportive post on social media gave international credibility to the Spanish film La mesita del comedor (The Coffee Table).
The main challenge in adapting his works, according to Benjamin Cavell, is preserving the inner lives of characters on screen. This difficulty is partially resolved through King’s understanding and close collaboration with directors.
A significant example of this collaboration is the massive project It: Welcome to Derry, a prequel to the novel It, created by Argentine filmmaker siblings Andy and Barbara Muschietti. The Muschiettis believe that King’s world mirrors today’s social reality, expressing its bitter critiques through fantasy and horror.
Despite numerous successes, King personally dislikes many adaptations, even Kubrick’s The Shining. But as his fans like María Gómez point out, he is more a writer of life than a writer of horror. The true fear in his works arises from everyday life; that’s what draws millions of readers and viewers back into his world.
