The Duffer Brothers were set to be the latest creatives to bring the works of Stephen King to television, but the duo’s upcoming adaptation of The Talisman may hit a setback that continues one legendary filmmaker’s struggles to bring it to screen. King is acclaimed for his many novels that range from chilling horrors to emotional, character-driven affairs. While King’s tales have seen much success as movies, several of the author’s previous works are being adapted and expanded on television, including the upcoming prequel It: Welcome to Derry, and Mike Flanagan and Prime Video’s Carrie adaptation.
Released in 1984 as a collaboration between King and Peter Straub, The Talisman is a fantasy tale that sees young Jack Sawyer set out to find a mysterious Talisman that can prevent his mother’s death as she suffers from lung cancer. In order to do so, the young boy learns about the Territories, a parallel world full of magic populated by twisted counterparts to the people whom Jack encounters in life. As such, Jack’s journey takes him across the US, as he switches between his own world and the Territories to find the magical artifact.
Spielberg Bought The Rights To The Talisman 2 Years Before It Was Published
The Filmmaker Quickly Purchased The Rings In The 1980s
While The Talisman earned a mixed response from critics long after its initial publishing, the novel was planned to be brought to screens before readers were able to experience the world of the Territories for themselves. In 1982, the novel’s rights were purchased by Spielberg before they had the opportunity to be optioned to other companies. The production was expected to be handled by Amblin Partners and The Marshall/Kennedy Company.
Despite having the filmmaker attached and even having a script developed by Chris Sparling, little progress was made on adapting the movie for a theatrical release. According to King, The Talisman experienced delays that can be attributed to his experience with executive Sidney Sheinberg, a regular collaborator of Spielberg’s. The author believes that Sheinberg intervened too much and hindered the process.
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However, in 2021, new hope was given to the project, as Netflix revealed that they were keen to adapt The Talisman to screens. For this task, they enlisted the Duffer Brothers, who had earned acclaim for their work on Stranger Things, to helm the adaptation. While they may have been a good fit for a King fantasy featuring alternate worlds, however, the pair’s slate of projects has become incredibly packed.
The Talisman Will Probably Continue To Languish In Development Hell
Despite Being Committed To Netflix, The Duffer Brothers Have A Packed Slate
While the Duffer Brothers may be bringing Stranger Things to a close, the pair will still remain in that world with animated spin-off Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, alongside producing sci-fi series The Boroughs and having been attached to a new live-action adaptation of Death Note for Netflix, through their production company Upside Down Pictures. Furthermore, it was also recently confirmed that the pair would be developing The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne alongside author Ron Currie. While these productions will keep the pair alongside the streamer, it is clear that other commitments will take priority.
The Duffer Brothers’ packed production slate may not be a death knell for the current incarnation of The Talisman‘s adaptation, but it certainly isn’t an optimistic sign. The pair had arguably proven themselves the best fit for the story with their work on their Netflix hit, while The Talisman’s sequel, Black House, and King’s upcoming third novel could allow the series to be a multi-season show for the streamer. However, despite King’s stories enjoying a screen adaptation renaissance, Netflix working with the Duffers on a new project means that The Talisman is likely nowhere close to an onscreen translation.
- Birthdate
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September 21, 1947
- Birthplace
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Portland, Maine, USA
- Professions
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Author, Screenwriter, Producer, Director, Actor
- Height
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6 feet 4 inches
Discover the latest news and filmography for Stephen King, known for The Dark Tower series, The Stand, IT, The Shining, Carrie, Cujo, Misery, the Bill Hodges trilogy, and more.
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