Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ gets (another) adaptation

[dahliaclone]

King has some all time great novels. But by and large his movies are never as good as the books because the books are so long and character driven. It’s not a shock that most of his best movie adaptations are from his short stories (Shawshank, Stand By Me, The Mist, Green Mile was a serial novel).

His best works are often over 1000 pages. ‘It’ the mini series was garbage (sorry) and the two 3 hour movies recently were fine but still nowhere near the greatness of the book.

Now ‘The Stand’ is yet again getting another adaptation but I’m cautiously optimistic. I think their choice for a director is a great one.

But if this is gonna be one movie it won’t be good unless it’s over 6 hours long. Haha.

https://variety.com/2025/film/news/stephen-king-the-stand-movie-doug-liman-1236439662/Stephen King's 'The Stand': Movie in Works With Doug Liman Directing

 

[Cyclonepride]

King has some all time great novels. But by and large his movies are never as good as the books because the books are so long and character driven. It’s not a shock that most of his best movie adaptations are from his short stories (Shawshank, Stand By Me, The Mist, Green Mile was a serial novel).

His best works are often over 1000 pages. ‘It’ the mini series was garbage (sorry) and the two 3 hour movies recently were fine but still nowhere near the greatness of the book.

Now ‘The Stand’ is yet again getting another adaptation but I’m cautiously optimistic. I think their choice for a director is a great one.

But if this is gonna be one movie it won’t be good unless it’s over 6 hours long. Haha.

https://variety.com/2025/film/news/stephen-king-the-stand-movie-doug-liman-1236439662/Stephen King's 'The Stand': Movie in Works With Doug Liman Directing

I think The Stand has enough material for a pretty long mini-series.

 

[alarson]

I think The Stand has enough material for a pretty long mini-series.

I liked the one in the 90s

 

[Cyclonepride]

I liked the one in the 90s

I liked that one better than the 2020 version for sure, though I think both left a lot to be desired in some ways.

 

[VeloClone]

If people had the stomach for it think about how awesome it would be to have a film for each of the character (or groups of characters) until they come together at Mother Abagail's. Something along the lines of the Marvel series of movies. Of course they wouldn't be nearly as episodic as the Marvel films are. One film for the whole novel - even a 3 hour film - leaves so much great story and character exploration on the cutting room floor. I don't think you can really do it justice in even a long feature film.

Don't screw with my disco, Nadine!

 

[VeloClone]

I think The Stand has enough material for a pretty long mini-series.

It lends itself to streaming where you could do a couple-three seasons of a Netflix/Apple+/etc. show or something like that.

 

[Buster28]

I'm not a big reader, but there was something about 1990 restored version of the novel that caught my attention. I'd never read anything close to that length before, but I got through it in less than a month. REALLY enjoyed the book - all 1100+ pages. The 90s movie version was decent, but not great. I never saw the more recent one. Not sure how I feel about yet another attempt to translate the book to film. Nothing will beat the book itself, though. So good.

 

[madguy30]

Where does Christine fit in the 'long/short story/novel' grouping?

What a ridiculous premise and movie but I thought still entertaining and well done.

 

[dahliaclone]

Where does Christine fit in the 'long/short story/novel' grouping?

What a ridiculous premise and movie but I thought still entertaining and well done.

It’s not long at all but it’s not a novella or short story. Similar to Carrie or Misery I’d say.

 

[enisthemenace]

I would be shocked if that book can ever be made into a single, good movie. As you all have mentioned, there is simply too much material for, say, 3 hours. Just don’t see it.

 

[HFCS]

I liked that one better than the 2020 version for sure, though I think both left a lot to be desired in some ways.

They are both lighter and campier than the book feels, but I actually like them both anyway.

I doubt if the rights even made it possible but in a dream world "It" movies would have started a King cinematic Universe of which The Dark Tower series as the main part of it. The marvel graphic novels of that series are significantly better than the one movie.

 

[MrTippet]

I'd rather see The Talisman get made or a true Dark Tower series but I'm in for more King stuff.

 

[CtownCyclone]

I liked the one in the 90s

Gary Sinese: (Pronouncing the 'S's) Would want to burn Des Moines?

 

[CascadeClone]

I'm not a big reader, but there was something about 1990 restored version of the novel that caught my attention. I'd never read anything close to that length before, but I got through it in less than a month. REALLY enjoyed the book - all 1100+ pages. The 90s movie version was decent, but not great. I never saw the more recent one. Not sure how I feel about yet another attempt to translate the book to film. Nothing will beat the book itself, though. So good.

I couldnt finish it. It was so depressing, so relentlessly dark and hopeless. I just couldnt go on.
And i mean that in a good way. Kings story was so powerfully well done, it wore me down and was affecting my soul. Had to stop. It was like overdosing on hopelessness and sad.

 

[VeloClone]

Gary Sinese: (Pronouncing the 'S's) Would want to burn Des Moines?

Who doesn't?

 

[VeloClone]

I couldnt finish it. It was so depressing, so relentlessly dark and hopeless. I just couldnt go on.
And i mean that in a good way. Kings story was so powerfully well done, it wore me down and was affecting my soul. Had to stop. It was like overdosing on hopelessness and sad.

Don't read Salem's Lot, then.

 

[1100011CS]

I'd rather see The Talisman get made or a true Dark Tower series but I'm in for more King stuff.

I thought I read somewhere that someone is doing another Dark Tower adaptation. Can't remember if a movie or series but I would hope a series for the same reason as The Stand

 

[hoosman]

I've read quite a few Dean Koonz books. Mostly dystopic stories, so far. I might try King. I've only read the JFK book and it was good. What are the best King books? Dark Tower? The Stand? Shining? IT? Dead Zone? I've heard that the newer King books are not as good as the classics. Maybe there is a different thread discussing this topic.

 

[HFCS]

I thought I read somewhere that someone is doing another Dark Tower adaptation. Can't remember if a movie or series but I would hope a series for the same reason as The Stand

They really should and pretend that one movie didn’t happen. Could be a movie franchise or a streaming series. Would be fantastic if they at least mixed it somewhat with some other king movies/ip.

 

[HFCS]

I've read quite a few Dean Koonz books. Mostly dystopic stories, so far. I might try King. I've only read the JFK book and it was good. What are the best King books? Dark Tower? The Stand? Shining? IT? Dead Zone? I've heard that the newer King books are not as good as the classics. Maybe there is a different thread discussing this topic.

I like Salem’s Lot but it might not seem that revolutionary since a ton of modern vampire books/movies borrow its tone.