King on Screen: documentary about Stephen King adaptations gets summer theatrical release

Brian de Palma got the ball rolling with his big screen adaptation of Stephen King’s novel Carrie… and since then, over fifty filmmakers have taken the helm of more than eighty King film and TV adaptations. The many adaptations of King’s work are the focus of the King-approved documentary King on Screen, directed by Daphné Baiwir (The Rebellious Olivia De Havilland), which we previously heard about when it was gearing up for its Fantastic Fest premiere last year. Now Deadline reports that Dark Star Pictures has acquired the North American distribution rights to King on Screen. They’re planning to give the documentary a theatrical release sometime in the late summer, with a digital release following in the fall.

With a running time of 105 minutes, King on Screen offers an inside look with the majority of directors who have adapted his work for the screen, showcasing that unique relationship. Included in the picture are The Shawshank Redemption helmer Frank Darabont as well as Mick Garris, Mike Flanagan, Greg Nicotero and more.

Baiwir has said this about the documentary: “I’m so glad we managed to gather such stellar names for King on Screen, who gave such insight into King’s work and its journey to the big screen. With illustrious directors and the celebrated actors who collaborated with us to recreate some of the iconic look and situations of King’s adaptations as an introduction to the documentary including Jeffrey DeMunn, James Caan, Tim Curry, Amy Irving, Dee Wallace, and Carel Struycken, the experience was unbelievable!“

Dark Star Pictures President Michael Repsch had this to say about the distribution deal: “Daphné has done a spectacular job of showcasing the talented filmmakers who brought the work of Stephen King to life in moving images. As a lifelong King fan, I could not be more excited to bring this film to audiences across North America and have it as a part of the Dark Star family.“

I’m a big fan of King’s stories and many of their adaptations, so I’m looking forward to King on Screen. Are you interested in this documentary, and are you glad Dark Star will be handling the North American release? Let us know by leaving a comment below.