Filmmaker JT Mollner, known for writing and directing Strange Darling, is adding another Stephen King adaptation to his portfolio with the upcoming movie based on
“The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon.”
Mollner recently penned the screenplay for The Long Walk, which is set to be released in September, and will now also write and direct this adaptation for Lionsgate. This marks the first time the psychological survival horror novel will be adapted into a film, amplifying interest in Stephen King wilderness survival horror fans worldwide.
The project involves Lionsgate, the studio behind The Long Walk, which will debut at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con with a dedicated panel in Hall H. Producer Roy Lee, who previously worked with Mollner on Strange Darling and The Long Walk, is once again involved, signaling a strong creative team behind this film.
Lionsgate’s Confidence in JT Mollner’s Vision for the Adaptation
Erin Westerman, president of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, expressed strong support for Mollner’s role in the adaptation. She praised his ability to craft emotionally resonant young characters, echoing Stephen King’s storytelling style. Westerman highlighted the story’s enduring themes of survival and determination as key elements that make this novel a compelling choice for adaptation.
JT is a filmmaker we believe has a bright future,
said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group president Erin Westerman.
Throughout his work, he creates characters, and especially young characters, that are so compelling, heartbreaking, and emotional that they pop off the screen. And of course, that’s what Stephen King does on the page as well. The story of survival and perseverance in The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon is timeless. We’ve loved this tale for a long time, and JT is the perfect choice to adapt and direct this King fan favorite.
— Erin Westerman, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group president
The Harrowing Tale of a Young Girl Lost in the Wilderness
“The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon”
revolves around nine-year-old Trisha McFarland, who gets lost during a family hike as she tries to avoid their constant arguments. Alone in the woods with minimal supplies, including her Walkman radio, she listens to Boston Red Sox baseball games to maintain her connection to the outside world. As she battles hunger, injury, and pneumonia, Trisha’s mental state becomes fragile, leading to vivid hallucinations and a psychological struggle against a sinister force she dubs the God of the Lost.
The story blends intense wilderness survival with psychological horror, highlighting the challenges Trisha faces and the hope she draws from her imagined interactions with her baseball hero, Tom Gordon. The narrative tension arises not only from physical dangers but also from Trisha’s internal battle for sanity in the face of isolation and fear.
Previous Attempts at Adapting the Novel and Upcoming Projects
Though
“The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon”
has long intrigued filmmakers, past efforts to bring it to the screen were unsuccessful. Esteemed directors like George A. Romero and Lynne Ramsay had worked on adaptations but failed to complete them. This new development with JT Mollner and Lionsgate revives the project with fresh momentum.
Meanwhile, Mollner’s current screenplay for The Long Walk, based on another Richard Bachman (Stephen King’s pseudonym) novel, is slated for release in theaters on September 12. This demonstrates a strong partnership between Mollner and Lionsgate in adapting King’s complex narratives.
What the Film Means for Stephen King Fans and the Genre
The adaptation of
“The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon”
promises to deliver a deeply atmospheric survival horror that resonates with fans of Stephen King wilderness survival horror themes. With Mollner’s proven skill in exploring psychological depths and Lionsgate’s backing, the film aims to satisfy longtime fans while introducing the story to a new generation. The combination of physical survival challenges and chilling psychological elements underscores why the novel remains one of King’s most intense works.
Lionsgate’s commitment to this project, supported by Roy Lee’s production, affirms the film’s potential to join the ranks of acclaimed Stephen King adaptations. As The Long Walk premieres soon, anticipation for this new adaptation builds, offering audiences a fresh experience of King’s storytelling prowess and the enduring impact of survival against overwhelming odds.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How high is Stephen King’s IQ?
A. Stephen King is a well-known American writer famous for his horror and suspense stories. His IQ is about 130. King’s talent for creating gripping and thrilling tales has gained him a huge fan base and much praise from critics.
