“Pet Sematary” (2019) screenwriter Jeff Buhler, in an interview with Dread Central, said, he and the directors, Dennis Widmyer and Kevin Kolsch, want to make the upcoming remake King’s scariest movie yet.
They are aiming for a more “grounded and psychologically horrific” adaptation. Buhler also said “if you love the book, you’ll love this movie.” Which is very encouraging.
King’s 1983 novel tells the tale of a doctor and his family who move into a new home in Maine and discover a secret cemetery behind their house that harbors a greater power than they could imagine.
Last week, I told you “Pet Sematary” had landed its leading man; Jason Clarke as Louis Creed. Well, as soon as last week’s post published, it was announced the movie had begun negotiations with another actor.
John Lithgow has joined the cast and will portray the Creed’s neighbor, Jud Crandall. Jud becomes a great friend of Louis and tells the younger man about the horrific past of the cemetery behind his home.
Jud was portrayed by Fred Gwynne, a.k.a. Herman Munster in the 1989 movie. Gwynne nailed the role, so Lithgow has some big shoes to fill.
Lithgow, known for his work on “The Crown” and “3rd Rock from the Sun,” should be a perfect casting choice for the elderly neighbor. Jud is a wise, sad, and caring old man; all traits which Lithgow can express perfectly. I just hope he hides his goofier side and based on the direction the movie seems to be heading, I’m sure there will be very little room for levity.
“Pet Sematary” is my favorite King novel. I am hoping for an excellent adaptation and I’m chomping at the bit for any news and updates, stay tuned!
“Sometimes dead is better.”
Aside from the “Pet Sematary” remake: on May 8 Netflix announced they purchased the rights to the novella, “In the Tall Grass.” Yes, another King movie!
King wrote “In the Tall Grass” with his oldest son Joe Hill. Hill is also a best-selling author known for novels like “NOS4A2” (which AMC is adapting into a tv series) and “The Fireman” as well as the “Locke and Key” graphic novel series. I guess writing runs in the family.
“In the Tall Grass” was originally released in two parts in the June/July and August 2012 issues of Esquire magazine. In October of 2012, the novella was released in e-book and audiobook formats.
The novella tells the tale of a brother and sister who venture into tall grass in Kansas after hearing a young boy’s cry for help but discover there may be no way out…
James Marsden, known for “Westworld” and “X-Men” has signed on as the lead. Meanwhile, Vincenzo Natali will direct and has written the script while Steve Hoban, Jimmy Miller, and M. Riley will produce the film.
Natali and Hoban worked together on the film “Splice” and Miller and Riley both produced the movie “The Lazarus Effect.”
In 2017, Netflix released two other King adaptations: “1922” and “Gerald’s Game.” Both films were very well done and received great reviews among King’s faithful constant readers.
“In the Tall Grass” will begin production this summer in Toronto but a release date has yet to be announced, so again, stay tuned and thanks for reading!
Tony's Horror Corner 