People may be talking about the adaptation of IT for some time, but we mustn't forget yet another excellent Stephen King adaptation to come out this year: GERALD’S GAME. The film (released on Netflix) won over critics and King fans alike, and now director Mike Flanagan is ready to helm another King tale, “Doctor Sleep”, which acts as a sequel to “The Shining.”
While talking with King fansite, Lilja’s Library, Flanagan revealed that “Sleep” is one of the stories he would most like to adapt. The story follows a now adult Danny Torrance, who is now traumatized by the actions of his father, Jack Torrance:
[T]he ones I’d want to do the most are Doctor Sleep and Lisey’s Story. In both cases, it’s because I identify with the protagonists so much. Lisey’s Story is a stunning piece of work, a beautiful exploration of marriage. And who wouldn’t want to venture back into the world of Danny Torrance?
“Sleep” was not the superb follow-up fans were hoping for, and the book has been met with mix reception. “Lisey’s Story,” on the other hand, is more closely related to “Gerald’s Game,” following the widow of a famous author and is forced to confront repressed memories of their marriage while being stalked by a deranged fan. King loves the story, saying it’s one of his favorites, and back in August said it would make a great adaptation on the big or small screen (per Variety):
Lisey’s Story” is my favorite of the books and I would love to see that done, especially now that there’s a kind of openness on the streaming services on TV and even the cable networks.
“Sleep” may not be the most loved of King’s works, but it is definitely more tempting to do than some of King’s other stories. Marketing it as a sequel to THE SHINING would make it a much easier sell and look a lot more attractive in the press. But maybe Flanagan can make something great of it, and redeem the story in a way. Like he said, who wouldn’t want to see where little Danny Torrance ended up?
Check out GERALD'S GAME on Netflix now!