Warner Bros. is reportedly moving one of its long-gestating projects away from theaters in favor of a small-screen rollout. According toVariety,Salem’s Lot,the long-awaited film adaptation of horror iconStephen King’s1975 novel, will stream on Max instead of being released theatrically. TheGary Dauberman-directed project completed filming more than a year ago, but has been besieged by delays and outside factors that have prevented it from reaching an audience.
According to Variety, Warner Bros. is movingSalem’s Lotto itsflagship Max streaming servicemainly due the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, with the outlet reporting that the quality of the film didn’t factor into the decision to step back from theaters. While no other titles have been named, Variety reported thatSalem’s Lotis one of a number of upcoming films that Warner Bros. will be shifting to Max. However, Warner Bros. seemed to allude to a potential theatrical release forSalem’s Lotin the future, with one studio executive telling Variety, “No decision has been made about the film’s future distribution plans.”
This marks yet another chapter in the long lifecycle ofSalem’s Lot,with production on the project and Dauberman’s involvementbeing announcedback in 2019. Principal photography began in 2021 and the filmwas slatedfor a 2022 release. However,Salem’s Lotwas later pushed to mid-2023, with Warner Bros. citing problems due to COVID-19-related delays. But that date has now come and gone, andSalem’s Lothasn’t seen the light of day. The studio has now notably removed the film from its release schedule entirely, along with shifting a number of other upcoming release dates, as delays from the SAG-AFTRA strike continue to create industry problems. But Warner Bros. has previously released a number of other films as Max originals, so the path to finally gettingSalem’s Lotreleased isn’t entirely surprising.
Salem’s Lotis Based on One of Stephen King’s Most Famous Works
While aminiseries adaptation in 1979spawned a theatrical sequel,the upcoming project will be the first feature film to adapt the originalSalem’s Lotstory. The film will follow Ben Mears (Lewis Pullman), a writer who returns to his hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot to try and pen a new novel. He soon realizes, though, that the town is under attack from an ancient vampire named Barlow. Mears must then help his small town come together and stop Barlow from wreaking havoc.Salem’s Lotalso starsAlfre Woodard, Makenzie Leigh, Bill Camp, William Sadler, Spencer Treat Clark,andPilou Asbæk.
Longtime King collaborator Dauberman, who previously penned the scripts forItandIt Chapter Two,directed from a self-written screenplay.Salem’s Lotis produced by New Line Cinema, frequent Warner Bros. partnerJames Wanfor his Atomic Monster banner,Michael Clear,Roy Leefor Vertigo Entertainment, andMark Wolperfor the Mark Wolper Organization. Dauberman also executive produces the film.
