Entertainment
What lies behind Stephen King’s scary influence on the world of horror? | Books | Entertainment
HORROR HEROES: King with Creepshow producer Richard P Rubinstein and director George A Romero (Image: Getty)
Here’s a great pub quiz question: which living author has had more of his stories adapted for TV and film than any other? The answer is Stephen King. Master of the macabre, this American writer has penned close to 70 novels and 200 short stories so far during his 50-year career, and well over 100 of them – including The Shining, Carrie, The Green Mile, The Shawshank Redemption, Stand By Me, Misery, Christine, It and Pet Sematary – have been adapted for the screen.
Just his literary output – it’s estimated more than 400 million copies of his books have been sold in English and translation – is enough to make him a household name. But when you factor in the most successful film adaptations, it’s clear he’s a global cultural phenomenon. It’s these screen versions of King’s stories Belgian documentary-maker Daphné Baiwir has focused on for her new film Stephen King on Screen.
“King has been adapted for TV and film even more than Shakespeare. It’s unbelievable,” Baiwir tells the Daily Express. “And the latest, The Boogeyman, was released just a couple of months ago.”
For her documentary, Baiwir didn’t request an interview with King, preferring instead to give air time to the directors who have adapted his books.
“My film’s not about the Stephen King books, and it’s not about Stephen King the man,” she says. “It’s all about King through the eyes of the filmmakers who adapted him. Having King in the documentary would have taken up all the space.”
By sheer chance, however, Baiwir and her crew bumped into the novelist while they were filming footage in his home town of Bangor, Maine, in New England.
They merely exchanged a few friendly pleasantries and moved on.
Some very famous filmmakers indeed, including Stanley Kubrick, Brian De Palma, David Cronenberg and John Carpenter, have been inspired by King’s stories over the years. In her documentary, Baiwir encourages some of the lesser-known directors to analyse why the author’s written word translates so expertly to the screen.
“Stephen King writes human beings,” says Taylor Hackford, who made a 1995 version of King’s novel Dolores Claiborne. “And then he puts them in pressured, difficult, sometimes phantasmagorical situations.”
Kathy Bates in Misery (1990) (Image: Getty)
John Harrison, who directed the TV series of King’s Creepshow, believes the author’s original stories had such an impact that they revolutionised horror films altogether.
“We went through the 50s where we had great sci-fi horror movies that were all about – that’s a great monster or that’s a scary situation,” he explains.
“When Steve came along in the 70s, it was all about how people were affected by what happened. He’s changed horror and genre movie-making just by that alone.”
The lion’s share of King’s stories are set in small towns in his home state of Maine, in the northeast of the United States, and filmmakers attribute his success to these very ordinary backdrops.“He loves common people, he loves folksy people, and he’s got that dialogue down pat,” says Fraser C. Heston, who adapted Needful Things in 1993. “He doesn’t condescend to middle Americans. In many ways he is a man of the people.”
Harrison adds: “Instead of setting everything in big cities, he chooses locations and environments that are identifiable for everybody. You could make Maine Pennsylvania. You could make Maine the countryside of France. You could make Maine a lot of different places because we all have places like that. Stephen King’s identity is wrapped up in small town horror.”
Mick Garris, who directed a 1997 TV mini-series of The Shining, sums up King’s style very succinctly: “It’s very kind of Norman Rockwell Americana,” he says. “It’s an idealised America but then it’s ripped apart and sent to hell!”
Another key aspect of many of King’s most memorable stories is the claustrophobic environments. The Green Mile and Shawshank Redemption are set in prisons, for example. The Shining sees a family cut off by snow in a deserted mountain hotel.
Misery features a novelist kept hostage by one of his readers. While in Cujo, a mother and son hide in their broken down car from a rabid dog.
In The Mist, the characters are trapped inside a supermarket while predatory creatures stalk them. In 1408, an author finds himself locked inside a haunted hotel room.
Mikael Hafstrom was director of 1408. “King likes those contained situations where people are stuck in one specific arena,” he explains. “It’s almost like a theatre play and from these situations come a lot of challenging moments.”
Born in 1947, in Portland, Maine, King was just two years old when his father, a vacuum cleaner salesman, abandoned the family, leaving his wife to bring up Stephen and his older brother David on her own, often struggling to pay the bills.
Critics have tried endlessly to pinpoint real-life incidents in King’s early years which might explain his penchant for the macabre. The author’s mother once told him that, at the age of four, he saw his childhood friend struck and killed by a train.
King himself claims he doesn’t remember the accident although the plot of his 1982 novella The Body (adapted into the 1986 film Stand By Me) suggests it figures strongly in his imagination.
MOVIE MAGIC: Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption (1994) (Image: Getty)
In the early 1970s, by now married to Tabitha and working as a schoolteacher, King completed his debut novel, Carrie, about a naive teenage girl with powers of telekinesis.
Initially, he was disillusioned by the book, and decided to throw it away.
Fortunately, Tabitha saw its potential, pulled it from the garbage, and it was published in 1974. After the film – starring a young Sissy Spacek and John Travolta – was released two years later, King quickly became recognised as a major force in horror fiction.
’Salem’s Lot, The Shining and The Stand followed close behind as King established a phenomenal work rate. Despite addictions to alcohol and cocaine – he’s been sober since the late 1980s – he continued to work at a meteoric rate, often producing up to three novels a year.
Critics and awards committees within the genres of sci-fi, fantasy and horror showered him with praise and prizes.
But he always struggled – and still does – to achieve recognition among mainstream literary circles.
“It’s something I’ve never understood, really,” says Baiwir who feels there’s huge snobbery at play when it comes to writers such as King who choose non-conventional genres. “When you read great horror novels, there are so many layers to the story. But, still, a lot of people are demeaning towards the genre; even in films too.”
In 1999, while walking along a road in Maine, King suffered a horrific experience that sounds just like the plot of one of his novels. He was struck and nearly killed by a minivan, suffering injuries that included a collapsed lung, a broken hip and ribs, and multiple fractures in his right leg.
GRIN REAPER: The iconic image of Jack Nicholson from The Shining (1980) (Image: Getty)
Later, after the driver received a suspended jail sentence for dangerous driving, King purchased the minivan from him with the intention, he said, of exacting revenge by smashing it up with a sledgehammer. And, perhaps, to stop a fan buying it.
Reportedly, King purchased the van from its driver, Bryan Smith, for $1,500 but it’s unclear whether he ever went through with his threat of destroying it.
Not that the accident dampened King’s work ethic.
Over the next two decades he wrote dozens more works – and the screen adaptations continued apace. One could even argue there’s been an overkill of adaptations.
Some stories, such as Carrie, Pet Sematary, Firestarter, Children of the Corn, The Stand and Christine have now been reworked for a second time.
King himself, famously disenchanted by Kubrick’s 1980 film version of The Shining, produced a TV mini-series of the same novel with a very different sentiment.
Baiwir has been surprised at some of the screen versions.
King’s 1992 novel Gerald’s Game, for example, is the tale of a woman trapped in a secluded country house. Set entirely in one room, on paper it feels like it would make for a dull film. Yet the resulting adaptation, directed by Mike Flanagan, was praised by critics. King himself called it “hypnotic, horrifying and terrific”.
Another Flanagan adaptation, currently in production, is King’s epic fantasy series, The Dark Tower. “It’s so difficult to adapt because it’s a huge work,” says Baiwir. “It’s a bit like Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings. But since its Mike Flanagan who’s doing it, I think it will be great.”
Shooting on the series was paused during the Hollywood actors’ and writers’ strike and is now up and running again.
After The Dark Tower, you’d think there couldn’t be many King stories left to adapt. You’d be wrong, though. A score of his novels – including Rage, Eyes of the Dragon, Insomnia, Duma Key and The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon – plus dozens of his short stories, have yet to receive the screen treatment. But for how long?
- Stephen King on Screen is out now on digital platforms and Blu-ray
Entertainment
PS Plus April 2025 free PS5, PS4 games – Death Stranding, Alone in the Dark and Cuphead? | Gaming | Entertainment
Without any leaks to go on, fans have been attempting to predict the line-up ahead of next week’s reveal.
In the regular monthly predictions thread on Reddit, multiple fans believe cartoon shooter Cuphead will join the PS Plus Essentials.
Despite its classic cartoon aesthetic, the gorgeous 2D shooter is hard as nails, featuring a mixture of side-scrolling stages and boss battles.
Other games with plenty of predictions include Need for Speed Unbound, Atomic Heart, Lords of the Fallen, Robocop and Avatar Frontiers of Pandora.
Speaking of Ubisoft, others think Assassin’s Creed Mirage could join the line-up, although it seems unlikely given the recent launch of AC Shadows. The Crew Motorfest is also in the predictions thread.
One fan thinks Lord of the Rings Return to Moria could join the line-up, which seems possible given it was recently given away on the Epic Games Store. Other realistic picks include Pacific Drive, F1 Manager 2024, NBA 2K25, EA Sports FC 25 and Stray.
Other games tipped to appear include A Way Out, Hi-Fi Rush, Outcast A New Beginning, Warhammer 40,000 Darktide, Goat Simulator 3, Hogwarts Legacy, The Casting of Frank Stone, LEGO Bricktales, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, Another Crab’s Treasure and EA Sports College Football 25.
That’s on top of Parcel Corps, Scorn, Psychonauts 2, Nioh 2, Lies of P, Tinykin, Dakar Desert Rally, Deathloop, Signalis, Viewfinder, Layers of Fear, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake and Jusant.
Finally, there are countless predictions for Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, Wo Long Fallen Dynasty, The DioField Chronicle, Lost in Random, South Park Snow Day, Exoprimal, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Like a Dragon Ishin!, Citizen Sleeper, DNF Duel, Cozy Grove, Steel Rats, Darkest dungeon 2, Pentiment, Cocoon, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Wanted Dead, Burnout Paradise Remastered, Resident Evil Village, One Piece Odyssey and The Riftbreaker.
In terms of first-party games, Gran Turismo 7 and Death Stranding, the latter of which seems like a possibility considering the sequel is just a few months away.
The new games will replace the likes of Dragon Age The Veilguard, TMNT Collection and Sonic Colours.
Entertainment
Stephen King reveals his top 10 favourite books – 1 famous fantasy trilogy on the list | Books | Entertainment
Stephen King has shared what he likes to read when he’s not working on his own novels and there’s some well-known books on his list. The author is known for his horror novels and has written famous works such as The Shining, It, Pet Sematary and Misery. But no author would be good without being a keen reader themselves and King has shared some of the best books he has ever read.
The master of horror fiction has drawn inspiration from classic tales of fear and human nature. He’s often spoken about how certain chilling and dystopian stories have shaped his writing style and imagination.
Entertainment
Top 10 best murder mystery books – and Agatha Christie not No. 1 | Books | Entertainment
In an era of true-crime aficionados, murder mysteries continue to captivate readers of all age groups, and while Agatha Christie often takes the crown for many, there are other fantastic novels that deserve attention.
From timeless classics to BookTok favourites, here we dissect Goodreads’ avid readers’ list of the 10 best murder mystery books of all time:
10. The Last Thing She Ever Did by Gregg Olsen
This gripping tale by Gregg Olsen follows the story of a woman, her secrets, and the dark web of deceit that she’s tangled in. After being accused of a murder she didn’t commit, the protagonist finds herself in a race against time to uncover the real killer while trying to protect her own family.
Known for his ability to blend psychological suspense with thrilling plot twists, Olsen delivers a satisfying mystery that is difficult to put down. This book takes a unique look at how the past can haunt the present and how even those closest to us may not be as trustworthy as they seem.
9. The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White
In The Swimmer, a story of tragedy and revenge unfolds on the cliffs of a small coastal town. A woman returns to her childhood home where she was once a local swimming prodigy, only to find that something more sinister is at play beneath the surface. As her past secrets resurface, she must navigate a web of lies, betrayal, and murder.
Loreth Anne White’s writing is evocative and dark, creating an atmosphere of tension that pulls the reader in, while the novel dives into themes of trauma, family dynamics, and the search for truth – making it a gripping read for fans of psychological thrillers and whodunnits alike.
8. The Reaping by Jess Lourey
The Reaping is a chilling mystery set in the small town of Steinbeck, where a series of murders echoes a haunting past. The second book in the Steinbeck and Reed series, it explores the legacy of violence and the long-buried secrets that resurface when a string of mysterious deaths occurs.
Jess Lourey crafts a complex narrative, blending suspense with dark humor and mystery, and the book examines how the sins of the past continue to shape the lives of those who live in its shadow. It’s a thrilling roller-coaster of emotions with twists and turns that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
7. On Her Watch by Melinda Leigh
Melinda Leigh’s On Her Watch is a standout in the Bree Taggert series, which follows a law enforcement officer turned private investigator. When Bree investigates a cold case that seems to be tied to a current string of disappearances, she must confront both her personal demons and a dangerous killer.
The book’s heart-pounding pace, combined with its strong female protagonist, creates a dynamic and engaging experience. The emotional depth of the characters, paired with tense, high-stakes moments, has made this novel a favorite among fans of suspense and action-packed thrillers.
6. Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera is a fast-paced mystery that unfolds when a young woman, desperate to escape her abusive past, begins to uncover secrets that have been buried for years. This novel takes readers on a wild ride through a world of intrigue, betrayal, and murder.
Tintera’s ability to craft a compelling narrative filled with twists and unpredictable turns ensures that readers are constantly on edge. The book also explores themes of trust, identity, and how lies can shape our understanding of reality.
5. Deeper Than the Dead by Debra Webb
In Deeper Than the Dead, Debra Webb introduces readers to a chilling world where the line between good and evil is blurred. The novel follows Vera Boyett, a forensic expert, as she dives deep into the heart of a mysterious series of murders. As she gets closer to the truth, Vera must confront her own past. Webb’s knack for writing psychologically complex characters and building a suspenseful atmosphere draws readers in. This book is filled with dark, haunting moments that leave readers questioning what is truly real and who can be trusted.
4. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
One of Agatha Christie’s most beloved works, Murder on the Orient Express features her famous detective, Hercule Poirot. On a luxurious train journey, a murder is committed, and Poirot must solve the case as the train is stuck in a snowstorm. The novel is notable for its innovative plot twist and the way it presents the complexities of human nature.
Christie’s mastery of the genre is on full display here, and the novel has remained a favorite among readers for decades. Its status as a classic is undeniable, but it ranks just outside the top three in this list.
3. Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea
Charlie Donlea’s Twenty Years Later is an intricate and captivating murder mystery that explores the case of a woman who has been wrongfully convicted of a crime she didn’t commit. The novel intertwines a present-day investigation with events from two decades prior, creating a tense narrative as secrets are slowly revealed. Readers are drawn to the rich character development and the twisty plot that keeps them guessing until the very end.
2. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Perhaps one of Agatha Christie’s most famous works, And Then There Were None is a haunting tale of ten strangers invited to an isolated island, only to find that they are being picked off one by one.
The book is an example of Christie’s brilliant narrative skill, presenting a closed-room mystery with an innovative approach to suspense. Each chapter ratchets up the tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they try to figure out who the killer is.
1. Murder on Family Grounds by Susan Rowland
At the top of the list is Murder on Family Grounds by Susan Rowland, a thrilling mystery that dives into family secrets, deception, and betrayal. The third book in the Mary Wandwalker series, it is set against a backdrop of power struggles and murder within a close-knit family.
The protagonist, Mary, uncovers layers of secrets hidden within a seemingly perfect family. Her journey to uncover the truth takes unexpected turns, making it a gripping and ultimately satisfying read. This book has garnered significant praise on Goodreads for its complex characters and its smart, twisty plot.
Amazon makes Sonos speakers more affordable as rare sale begins
PS Plus April 2025 free PS5, PS4 games – Death Stranding, Alone in the Dark and Cuphead? | Gaming | Entertainment
Next James Bond release leaks with major franchise producers ‘in talks’ for 007 | Films | Entertainment
Bangladesh3 weeks agoDHS Autos Introduces Deepal S07 and L07 Electric Vehicles in Bangladesh
- Fashion3 weeks ago
Sign up to our Royal Style newsletter for the world of royal fashion | Royal | News
- Sports4 weeks ago
F1 LIVE: Lewis Hamilton dealt Ferrari ‘difficulty’ as Max Verstappen ban discussed | F1 | Sport
- Sports4 weeks ago
Dan Ashworth lands new job after Man Utd exit as he works freelance | Football | Sport
- Entertainment4 weeks ago
Phil Collins says he’s ‘very sick’ and ‘can’t hold drumsticks properly’ | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV
- World4 weeks ago
The little African country building a huge new massive city to end traffic chaos | World | News
- Entertainment4 weeks ago
Rod Stewart’s top ten biggest selling albums | Music | Entertainment
- Top Stories4 weeks ago
Imran Khan Blamed For Pakistan’s Downfall After Champions Trophy 2025 Exit By Najam Sethi
