This year, Stephen King enthusiasts have enjoyed several engaging adaptations of his work across film and television. Titles such as The Life of Chuck and The Monkey have resonated strongly with audiences due to their emotional depth and inventive storytelling. Meanwhile, MGM+ is currently airing the The Institute series, and fans eagerly await the October premiere of IT: Welcome to Derry on HBO Max. These projects showcase the continued appeal of King’s stories across different formats and platforms.
King’s influence extends beyond current releases, with upcoming adaptations like The Long Walk and The Running Man scheduled for release in late 2025. Amid this wave of content, one previous adaptation deserves renewed attention for its unique qualities and the author’s personal involvement.
The Welcome to Derry spinoff, initially set for release soon, has been delayed until 2026, adding to the anticipation surrounding King’s expanding television universe.
Stephen King’s Personal Favorite: Lisey’s Story Remains Undervalued
In a 2003 Reddit Q&A, Stephen King named Lisey’s Story as his favorite novel. The 2021 AppleTV+ miniseries adaptation, however, has not reached a wide audience or critical acclaim, holding a modest 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 48% on Popcornmeter. Despite mixed reviews, the series is recommended for its strong performances, intricate writing, and the meaningful themes it explores.
The story centers on Lisey Landon, who struggles with the loss of her husband Scott, a celebrated writer. The narrative blends sadness, supernatural elements, and emotional complexity to tell an unforgettable tale about love, family, and coping with death. Julianne Moore portrays Lisey Landon, with Clive Owen as Scott Landon, supported by Michael Pitt, Joan Allen, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Dane DeHaan in key roles.
Lisey’s Story shares thematic similarities with Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of The Life of Chuck, both of which delve deeply into the emotional complexities surrounding their central characters and use fantasy to expand the narrative. The series blurs the boundary between reality and dreams, creating a haunting atmosphere that is quintessentially King.
What sets this series apart is King’s direct creative involvement; he wrote all eight episodes himself, a rare occurrence in adaptations of his work. King expressed his enthusiasm about shaping the project in an interview with Entertainment Weekly before the series debuted:
“They’re all my favorites. I love them all…This is a little bit difficult to love, but I’ve always loved the story, and that’s the reason I got involved. I held on to this one for myself because I thought at some point I would love to be involved with writing it and guiding it to completion, and to be able to do that is just a wonderful gift.”
—Stephen King, Author
King’s Writing Contributions Extend to Other TV and Film Projects
Though King is less hands-on with some adaptations, such as HBO Max’s upcoming IT: Welcome to Derry, he has directly written episodes for a few other miniseries. Notably, he authored all four episodes of the 1994 adaptation of The Stand. This involvement allows King to maintain a closer connection to how his stories are brought to the screen.
In addition to television, King has contributed screenplays for several movie adaptations, including Pet Sematary (1989), Silver Bullet, Cat’s Eye, The Dead Zone, Sleepwalkers, and Creepshow. These screenplays give viewers insight into King’s personal vision for his works, complementing interpretations from other filmmakers and showrunners.
Stephen King fans are also excited about other upcoming projects, including Edgar Wright’s 2025 remake of The Running Man, starring Glen Powell, which promises to bring another thrilling story to the screen.
Strong Cast Brings Depth to Lisey’s Story Characters
Lisey’s Story benefits greatly from a talented cast that brings emotional weight and complexity to the narrative. Julianne Moore plays Lisey Landon, capturing the inner turmoil of a grieving wife. Clive Owen portrays Scott Landon, the late husband whose mysterious life unfolds through Lisey’s memories.
Supporting roles include Jennifer Jason Leigh as Darla Debusher and Dane DeHaan as Jim Dooley, who add layers to the story’s exploration of memory, trauma, and supernatural elements. Michael Pitt and Joan Allen also contribute to the intricate tapestry of characters, enriching the series’ eerie and poignant atmosphere.
Why Lisey’s Story Deserves a Closer Look Today
Despite the modest ratings, Lisey’s Story stands out as a distinctive adaptation due to Stephen King’s direct authorship, its strong performances, and its exploration of difficult emotional themes grounded in fantasy. Its modest reception does not diminish the fact that it captures many qualities beloved by King’s fans and highlights his storytelling prowess in a unique way.
As fans anticipate new King projects like The Institute, IT: Welcome to Derry, and future film releases, returning to Lisey’s Story offers a chance to experience a deeply personal vision from King himself. This series remains a compelling entry in the catalog of Stephen King adaptations and deserves reassessment by those interested in horror, fantasy, and emotional dramas.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How high is Stephen King’s IQ?
A. Stephen King is a well-known American writer known for horror, supernatural stories, and suspense. His IQ is said to be about 130. He is famous for creating gripping and thrilling stories, which have gained him a large audience and praise from critics.
