Deadline has announced the upcoming film adaptation of Stephen King’s novella Rat, currently being developed by producer Jay Van Hoy, known for his work on The Witch and The Lighthouse, along with director Isaac Ezban, who previously directed Mal de Ojo and Párvulos. This project continues the trend of translating King’s stories to the big screen.
Plot Overview and Themes Explored in the Story
Originally published in 2020 as part of the collection If It Bleeds, Rat centers on Drew Larson, a writer plagued by his own ambition. Each novel he attempts seems doomed, resulting in illness, misfortune, or worse. Determined to break free from this destructive pattern, Drew isolates himself in a remote cabin in the Maine woods. When a violent storm confines him further, his physical and mental health decline, leading to a fever-induced unraveling. At this critical point, a mysterious stranger arrives, offering salvation and success, though at a cost that Drew barely understands.
Director Reflects on King’s Influence and Story’s Significance
Isaac Ezban shared his deep admiration for Stephen King, saying,
“Stephen King has always been my favorite writer, ever since I started reading horror as a teenager, and since then, I’ve had the long-time dream of adapting some of his material.”
He added that Rat captures the unique blend of beauty and brutality that has influenced his own creative vision. Describing the novella as
“a dark, intimate, bizarre, even humorous and deeply unsettling story,”
Ezban sees it as a survival tale exploring the struggle against writer’s block and the tension between creative work and personal relationships. He said,
“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.”
Context Within Recent Stephen King Adaptations
The Rat film will be the third adaptation drawn from If It Bleeds, following the releases of Mr. Harrigan’s Phone in 2022 and The Life of Chuck earlier this year. This succession highlights the ongoing interest in bringing King’s diverse stories to cinematic audiences, expanding his influence beyond the literary world.
Expected Impact of the Rat Adaptation
This new project is poised to deepen the exploration of Stephen King’s complex characters and themes, particularly those dealing with psychological turmoil and the costs of ambition. By focusing on a story that intertwines horror with personal struggle, the adaptation may resonate strongly with both longtime fans and new viewers, reinforcing King’s status as a storyteller whose work crosses genres and mediums.
