While Stephen King has been adapted into a wide range of media, from films and miniseries to TV shows and even audio dramas, there are still some King stories that still require picking up a good old book, for now at least. King has written over 65 novels and more than 200 short stories, so there’s still a plethora of interesting ideas that haven’t been explored in adaptations, and these might be the most interesting.
The Long Walk
Unlike many of Stephen King’s other books and stories, The Long Walk would be a cheap movie to produce. Many young filmmakers dream of producing an indie version of this movie for that very reason. Directing skills could be flexed with little to no budget since all that’s really needed is a long road and great actors.
In the world of this short story, a rigid police state conducts a 450-mile walk where those who can’t keep up die and the first to finish triumphantly wins a life of luxury. Released in 1979, the near future in which this novel is set could very easily be today, which would make the political statement all the stronger. This production is one that could become a reality in the future, but for now, it is bound to its pages.
Strawberry Spring
Strawberry Spring is a short story by Stephen King and also a term that refers to a false spring in late winter. While this story has not been produced as a movie, the audio drama was a strawberry spring of its own kind: a tease of potential that wasn’t long enough.
The original story debuted in a magazine with broad details that the audio drama expanded and embellished upon, but without the visual element, it was dissatisfying. The great cast paired with King’s excellent ideas brought the story to life in such a way that listeners hope the elusive killer Springheel Jack will appear on the big screen one day.
From a Buick 8
While spooky cars are a semi-common factor in Stephen King’s stories, this Buick has never seen the spotlight of the big screen. Perhaps too similar to Christine to be made into a movie, this particular story of a self-healing, person-harming car follows Ned, who mourns the loss of his father in a drunk driving accident. After connecting with his father’s colleagues at the state police barracks, he begins to think the possessed car on the grounds may have had something to do with his father’s death. Upon this discovery, it becomes his mission to destroy this evil Buick.
Like many of King’s stories, From a Buick 8 has been picked up and dropped several times for a production deal. Rumors say that a 2023 film adaptation is coming, but as similar ideas were teased in 2018 and 2019, skepticism remains until a trailer is released
Mile 81
With spooky cars fresh on the brain, Mile 81 is about a station wagon at an abandoned rest stop or a sentient and murderous alien disguised as a station wagon at an abandoned rest stop. You’ll have to read the tale to find out because this chilling short story will not be in theaters anytime soon. Mile 81 was picked up for production in 2019 but never made it any further.
Joyland
Differing from the sci-fi themes of many of Stephen King’s novels, Joyland is a mysterious crime story that would broaden the scope of his movie collection. While it differs in content from King’s other work, like many others, this was supposed to be made into a series, but never made it past pre-production. If this was ever produced as a movie or series, it could open the possibility of a small collection of Stephen King crime movies, including Later and The Colorado Kid.
Duma Key
Following the Stephen King trend, there have been various rumors over the years about Duma Key being turned into a movie. However, that’s where most of the similarities stop. This story explores grief, self-discovery, familial drama, art, and redemption, with just a hint of supernatural activity and psychological horror. Duma Key would be an intriguing addition to the Stephen King movie canon, as it would add a level of depth to his collection.
Gwendy’s Button Box
It is a shock that Gwendy’s Button Box has not been a box office hit by now. This novella follows a young girl who is given a mysterious box that provides gifts and trinkets so long as she never pushes any of the colorful buttons. Along with how enticing temptation can be, this novella is part of a trilogy, which is perfect for the horror world.
The Regulators
Written under King’s pen name, Richard Bachman, The Regulators is set in an alternate reality to his novel and movie Desperation, which would create an interesting juxtaposition if The Regulators were to be made into a movie. Overlapping cast members such as Tom Skerritt and Ron Perlman would make this pseudo-sequel disorienting, and although there are discussions of making a movie, no casting decisions for the King adaptation have been announced yet.
Insomnia
Set in the same town where Pennywise hunts his victims, Derry, Maine, Insomnia is a great novel that never had its day in the sun. Insomnia follows a grief-stricken widower who suffers from insomnia more every night until he isn’t sleeping at all. He begins hallucinating and realizes these visions and auras might just be real. Unlike most Stephen King novels, there have never been and currently have no plans to put Insomnia on the big screen.
Black House
While they are not a part of a series, The Talisman and Black House are loosely connected. With overlapping characters and nearby settings, it would make sense that now that The Talisman is being made into a Netflix series by Steven Spielberg and the Duffer Brothers, it’s only a matter of time before Black House follows suit. Until then, read Black House in tandem with The Talisman or as a standalone; either way, leave the lights on.
