Streaming for Salem Lot: Warner Bros. appears to be reconsidering the distribution of its horror film “Salem’s Lot,” based on Stephen King’s work. Originally intended for theatrical release, the Gary Dauberman-directed adaptation is now rumored to head to the Warner Bros. Discovery streaming platform.
While some speculate this shift is due to concerns about the film’s quality, sources suggest it’s more about the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, which has created a need for content on Max. “Salem’s Lot” is not the only film in this situation, but a Warner Bros. spokesperson clarified that no final decision has been made regarding its distribution.
Initially planned for a September 2022 release, the movie was moved to spring 2023, citing COVID-related postproduction delays. Recently, it disappeared from the schedule entirely, sparking speculation that it might become a tax write-off, similar to “Batgirl” last year.
The film features Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh, Bill Camp, Pilou Asbaek, Alfre Woodard, and William Sadler. Dauberman, who initiated the project in 2019, also penned the screenplay. James Wan produces the new adaptation via Atomic Monster, known for Warner Bros.’ “Conjuring” franchise.
“Salem’s Lot” follows the storyline of a writer returning to his hometown, Jerusalem’s Lot, to confront a vampire threat, echoing the 1979 two-part CBS miniseries. In 2004, TNT adapted the book into an Emmy-nominated series starring Rob Lowe. Stephen King’s works have been lucrative for Warner Bros., with “It” earning $704 million worldwide in 2017.
Also read: NXT Rising Stars: Balancing Athleticism and Entertainment