In a discussion on The King of Castle Rock Facebook page, several King fans mentioned that they would like to see a new motion picture adapted from his short stories. Apparently, others want to see this happen too.
This past week, StephenKing.com announced a new motion picture deal that will feature an anthology of four short stories, entitled Stephen King's The Reaper's Image. The new film will be directed by Mark Pavia. It will contain the following short stories:
"The Reaper's Image" is a short story that was first published in Startling Mystery Stories in 1969 and collected in Skeleton Crew in 1985. The story is about an antique mirror haunted by the visage of the Grim Reaper, who appears to those who gaze into it.
"Mile 81" is a novella that was released exclusively as an e-book on September 1, 2011. The story is set at a roadside stop at Mile 81 on the Maine Turnpike, where people disappear without a trace. An old wagon is on display at the stop, which draws the attention of all visitors.
"N." is a short story from Just After Sunset (2008). This short is a story about a woman named Sheila who writes a friend about the death of her brother Johnny Bonsaint, a psychiatrist. Sheila believes her brother's suicide is connected to his treatment of a patient only referred to as "N." Both deaths are connected to a field where a formation of smooth stones appear to be a portal between this world and another.
"The Monkey" is a short story that was first published in Gallery magazine in 1980, and then revised before being included in Skeleton Crew (1985). In this story, a cymbal-banging monkey is possessed by evil, which kills any living thing near when it starts to play.
StephenKing.com reports that two of the stories were selected by King and two by Pavia. King's official website says, "the project is a solid mix of classic and contemporary King tales sure to please the Constant Reader."
We will all eagerly wait for more news on this exciting film.
"The King of Castle Rock" is a blog about the work of Stephen King. This site contains original articles by Thomas Beane that explores King's work and writing process.
"N." and "The Monkey" are two of my favorite shorts. The image of the cymbal-banging monkey on the cover of "Skeleton Crew" is spooky enough without the story. "N." is a captivating story with extraordinary characters. I had the feeling when reading it that the portal provides insight to a much larger world that King has created.
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