The latest incarnation of Stephen King’s “The Stand” has an official release date announced as December 17, 2020.
If you’re a fan of the original 1978 novel, or the 1994 miniseries, you might take grim pleasure in the realization that this updated version couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time.
“During the two years we spent making ‘The Stand,’ we all felt the responsibility of adapting what may be the most beloved work of one of the world’s most beloved storytellers, but none of us could have imagined that Stephen King’s 40-year-old masterpiece about a global pandemic would come to be so eerily relevant,” Executive Producer Benjamin Cavell said in a statement. “We’re honored to tell this sprawling, epic story, including a new coda that Stephen King has wanted to add for decades. We’re so proud of this show and its attempt to find meaning and hope in the most uncertain of times. We can’t wait to share it with the world.”
The script for that final episode is written. I was glad Josh Boone gave me the chance, because that final story has been in my mind for 30 years.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) August 2, 2019
This reboot was originally set to be a feature film when Warner Bros and CBS Films were in talks with King and Producer Josh Boone in 2014, but it has since evolved into a ten-episode series with Boone still on board as co-writer and co-executive producer.
Notable cast members include Westworld’s James Marsden as Stu Redman, Greg Kinnear as Glen Bateman, True Blood’s Alexander Skarsgård as Randall Flagg, and Whoopi Goldberg as the 108-year-old matriarch, Mother Abigail. Marilyn Manson is also said to have a “secret” role (speculation points to Trashcan Man) and Shooter Jennings will be providing a remake of The Doors’ “The End” for the miniseries.
But perhaps my favorite casting is that of the memorable character Tom Cullen, originally made famous by Patrick Star voice actor Bill Fagerbakke, now performed by Brad William Henke of “Orange is the New Black” fame. M-O-O-N, that spells Captain Piscatella.
“The Stand” will air on Thursday nights, starting on December 17th, only on CBS All Access.
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