Stephen King’s 2020 novella Rat is preparing to make the leap to the big screen, with Jay Van Hoy, producer of acclaimed films like The Witch and The Lighthouse, leading the production. This Stephen King Rat adaptation brings a fresh horror story from the author’s repertoire to cinema audiences, continuing the legacy of King’s work inspiring major film projects.
The adaptation is directed by Isaac Ezban, known for films such as Mal de Ojo and Párvulos, while Jeff Howard, who contributed to The Haunting of Hill House, has penned the screenplay. Supporting producers include Fernando Ferro, recognized for The Birthday Cake, and Paul Perez, known for Father of the Bride, adding considerable experience to the project’s leadership.
The premise of Rat and its connection to Stephen King’s broader work
Rat was originally published within King’s If It Bleeds collection, alongside related stories The Life of Chuck and Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, both already adapted for screen. The novella tells the story of Drew Larson, a writer plagued by misfortune and illness every time he tries to craft a novel. Determined to change his fate, Drew isolates himself in a remote cabin in the Maine woods, only to be trapped by a violent storm that intensifies his physical and mental decline.
During this ordeal, an eerie visitor appears, offering Drew the promise of success— but at an unclear and disturbing cost. This plot centers on themes of ambition, isolation, and the dark consequences of creativity, creating a layered psychological horror narrative.
“Each attempt at a novel has ended in disaster—illness, misfortune, or worse. Determined to break the cycle, he retreats to a desolate cabin in the Maine woods, convinced this time will be different. But as a violent storm traps him in isolation, Drew’s body falters and his mind begins to unravel. In the grip of fever and madness, a stranger appears—an uncanny visitor who promises salvation and success…for a price Drew can barely comprehend.”
Director Isaac Ezban’s personal connection to the story
Director Isaac Ezban expressed deep enthusiasm for bringing Rat to the screen, identifying with the story’s intense conflict between creative drive and personal sacrifice. He highlighted Stephen King’s influence on his work from a young age and described Rat as one of King’s most compelling stories.
“Stephen King has always been my favorite writer, ever since I started reading horror as a teenager, and since then, Ive had the long-time dream of adapting some of his material… He embodies that essence of the contrast of beauty and brutality that has shaped my vision and sensibilities as a storyteller. I’ve read most of his work, and Rat remains one of my favorite stories he’s ever created… the perfect match — a dark, intimate, bizarre, even humorous and deeply unsettling story that gets under your skin… I see this as a survival movie about writer’s block, and also as the ultimate tale of our craft vs. our people, our creations vs. our loved ones, our art vs. our family, a theme I can very personally relate to. King has always inspired me as a filmmaker and a storyteller, and I feel honored to bring this tale to life.”
Stephen King’s expanding film adaptation universe
The film adaptation of Rat follows a wave of new projects based on Stephen King’s work, demonstrating sustained interest in bringing his stories to visual media. Recent and upcoming projects include Francis Lawrence directing The Long Walk, Mike Flanagan’s take on The Dark Tower, an Amazon adaptation of Carrie, Edgar Wright’s The Running Man, HBO Max’s It: Welcome to Derry prequel series, and a forthcoming Cujo series on Netflix.
With Jay Van Hoy’s involvement and Isaac Ezban’s vision, the Rat adaptation is positioned to join this diverse collection of King-inspired films and series, offering fans another intense and atmospheric horror experience rooted in King’s unique storytelling style.
Anticipated impact and future outlook for the Rat adaptation
This Stephen King Rat adaptation taps into the author’s signature themes of horror, psychological tension, and the complexities of creative struggle. The combination of a seasoned producer known for atmospheric horror and a director personally invested in King’s work raises expectations for a thoughtful and unsettling film.
As Stephen King’s stories continue to inspire filmmakers and find new audiences, Rat’s cinematic debut will likely contribute to the ongoing dialogue between literature and horror cinema. Observers and fans should expect more updates as the project progresses further into production.
