Dracula in the modern age: this fantasy film adaptation of the cult novel reveals its first images

“I don’t know why Warner is holding back the movie; the result isn’t embarrassing or anything. Who knows, I’m just the author of these articles.” These words spoken last February are the words of Stephen King.

The American writer, perhaps the contemporary author most adapted to television and film, then returned to the confusing situation surrounding the release of Salem’s Lot, a film adaptation of his novel. Salem. On his X account (formerly Twitter), the novelist revealed that he had seen the Gary Doberman film, which he described as “pretty good” and “An old fashioned horror movie”.

The third adaptation of Stephen King’s novel

The genesis of this project begins in April 2019 (!). New Line Cinema has announced the start of work on a new adaptation of the Stephen King novel, following Tobe Hooper’s TV movie (1979) and the 2004 miniseries with Rob Lowe. Producer James Wan commissioned screenwriter Gary Dauberman to write the film, which was crowned by the success of his adaptations, which he also wrote.

Exactly one year after that announcement, here we are in April 2020, Gary Dauberman has been confirmed to be directing the film himself, his second directorial venture since Annabelle: House of Evil.

After a year and a half in preparation, the film finally begins shooting in September 2021, with a planned theatrical release the following year (September 9, 2022 announced by Warner Bros.). But nothing happens as planned.

A few months before the film’s release, Warner finally announced that the release of Salem’s Lot would be delayed for a few months, then ultimately canceled. Many fear that the feature film will never be released, with the fate already reserved for Batgirl and Coyote vs. ACME, two movies completely shot but never released.

The release was announced three years after the film was shot

After the actors’ strike ended last October, it was finally announced that Salem’s Lot will no longer be released in theaters, but will be streamed live on the Max platform. A few months after this announcement, however, the date has not been announced, and it was in this context that Stephen King spoke about X to discuss the uncertain situation of the film.

Finally, the release was announced in October 2024, three years after filming began. Another delay is not to be feared, as the first photos of the film have just been published by our colleagues Vanity Fair who devote an extensive article to the production of the film.

Described by Stephen King as a kind of modern Dracula, Salem’s Lot follows a writer who returns to his hometown and encounters a vampire who lives in the area. Gary Doberman’s film stars Lewis Pullman, Alfred Woodward and William Sadler.

The fantasy horror film Salem’s Lot can be seen next October exclusively on Max.

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