2017 was the beginning of a true Stephen King Renaissance. Even with the abominable TV series based onThe Mist,IT: Chapter 1,Gerald’s Game, and1922constituted a near-perfect trifecta of films adapted from the bestselling author’s sizable bibliography. Now,From a Buick 8will join 2 other King-based properties currently in production;IT: Chapter 2is being shot in Toronto with a re-adaptation ofPet Sematarymoving full-steam ahead outside of Montreal. Though it may have quieted in 2018, the Stephen King Renaissance is certain to surge again in 2019.
Attached to write and directFrom a Buick 8for Ashok Amritraj’s Hyde Park Entertainment is William Brent Bell, a filmmaker who’s no stranger to horror aficionados. His most recent hit was 2016’sThe Boy, while other bloody feathers in his cap include 2006’s techno-horrorStay Alive, 2012’s chilling yet controversial found footage filmThe Devil Inside, and the lycanthropic creeperWerin 2013. The filmmaker, originally from Lexington, KY, is one big hit away from genre preeminence, nearing the status of 21st Century heavyweights James Wan, Mike Flanagan, and Andy Muschietti. This horror fan feels confident the project is in good hands. Here’s a synopsis forFrom a Buick 8.
From a Buick 8 centers around the rural town of Statler, Pennsylvania where the state police have kept a mysterious 1954 Buick Roadmaster in the shed behind the barracks for over twenty years. But when the town is plagued by strange and supernatural events, it turns out the Buick isn’t exactly a car- it’s a door to another dimension.
Although this will be the first timeFrom a Buick 8has been adapted for film, it was previously developed as a potential vehicle (pun intended) forNight of the Living Deadmastermind George A. Romero. Romero and King have collaborated since the author first made a cameo inKnightriders. That film led to the duo partnering up again forCreepshowin 1982, and Romero would go on to adapt King’sThe Dark Halfin 1993. Though films based on King’s works were hit and miss in the 1990s,The Dark Halfhas gained a cult following in the decades since its release. As the tale takes place in Castle Rock, there’s a chance characters from the novel/movie may pop up in the upcoming HULU series named for the fictional town (premiering later this week).
From a Buick 8is a 368-page novel first published in 2002. Those feeling a tinge of déjà vu will recallStephen Kinghas previously explored classic cars as a troupe in horror. 1983’sChristine, one of the author’s first significant breakthroughs, centers on a 1958 Plymouth Fury that’s either the cause of, or a conduit for, demonic possession. The classic muscle car was also endowed with the ability to regenerate andChristinewas adapted to film in 1983 by Master of Horror John Carpenter. So, whileFrom a Buick 8goes down a different paranormal pathway, it can still be considered a spiritual successor toChristine.
No word yet on cast or a target release date forFrom a Buick 8, but we’ll keep our ears to the ground to bring you additional updates as details emerge. Stay tuned! This news first appeared exclusively onDeadline.
