Warner Bros. and CBS Films are teaming to adapt the novel, which in many ways set the bar for a generation of post-apocalyptic stories and influenced works
The companies will co-develop and co-produce the feature film, with CBS having the option to participate in co-financing. Warners will handle worldwide marketing and distribution.
The novel had been previously been adapted as a 90’s TV miniseries that starred Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald, Rob Lowe, Ruby Dee and Jamie Sheridan. There are some things I liked a lot about the Mick Garris directed miniseries. But there were some performances that went a bit over the top for me (Sheridan as Randall Flagg, for one) and I suppose there is room for improvement. But there was a lot more to like than to dislike. (I actually thought the following Garris-King collaboration, The Shining, was much better)
If the plan is a series of films over a number of years, that’s a good idea. The bad idea comes in when the first half calls for a quick pace to set up the event of the superflu (“Captain Trips”) but then the story fconcentrates on the struggle between those that follow Mother Abigail (a side for good) and those who line up with the demonic Flagg. It is more of a dramatic struggle than an action one. Think abut how he heroes defeated Flagg. The way Hollywood tends to think—that’s the problem. The guys walking to Vegas and the main protag is left behind…?
Good luck with that.
It’s another adaptation, I know, but I’m a bit skeptical on this.
Your thoughts?
