Salem’s Lot director Gary Dauberman expresses his gratitude for Stephen King supporting the film. The newest adaptation of King’s 1975 vampire novel was originally slated for release in theaters in September 2022 before being repeatedly delayed for two years. After significant uncertainty about whether the film would ever be released, especially at a time when other finished films were being shelved, the Salem’s Lot remake was eventually announced to debut on Max in October 2024.
While speaking with GamesRadar+, Dauberman shares how grateful he was for King’s support during the two-year delay. In February 2024, King posted on X/Twitter that “I’ve seen the new Salem’s Lot and it’s quite good. Old-school horror filmmaking: slow build, big payoff. Not sure why WB is holding it back; not like it’s embarrassing, or anything.” It was in the months after this that Salem’s Lot being released on Max was finally announced. Dauberman opts to not share what was behind the delay. Check out Dauberman’s comments below:
I’m extremely thankful for Steve’s support. Let’s just say it provided some shock support for some of the more bumpy portions of this journey and leave it at that.
Stephen King Uses His Voice To Help The Film & Television Industries
Salem’s Lot is not the only upcoming King adaptation that the author has championed, with King having spoken highly of the Mike Flanagan-directed The Life of Chuck starring Tom Hiddleston and Mark Hamill. The Life of Chuck is not as well-known as Salem’s Lot or many of King’s other works, but King’s stamp of approval has generated more interest in the film. He has also used his platform to highlight films and television series that he is not even involved in.
King is a positive force in the film and television industries because of his writing and the attention he brings to new and upcoming projects.
His glowing review for Strange Darling brought more attention to the 2024 indie-horror film, which has become a critically acclaimed success with a 95% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes. As for television series, King praised From since season 1 and continued to do so in season 2, with the science-fiction horror show gaining a great deal of attention during its sophomore outing and as From heads into season 3. Both Strange Darling and From were already well-made stories, but King’s influence helped more viewers become aware of and drawn to watching them.
As a streaming release, Salem’s Lot may not garner the same kind of attention that a worldwide theatrically released film would have. Another post on social media after the film’s debut on Max would go a long way in reminding audiences that the long-awaited Salem’s Lot remake is finally available to watch. King is a positive force in the film and television industries because of his writing and the attention he brings to new and upcoming projects.
Source: GamesRadar+, Stephen King (X/Twitter)
