This Stephen King's Non-Horror Book is Perfect for a Movie Adaptation

Despite more than 50 years of Stephen King's works making it to the screen, there's one novel that's never been attempted – ‘The Eyes of the Dragon’. One of King's rare non-horror books has been considered before, but talk of a TV show got shot down in 2020. What's surprising is that this 1984 novel could be adapted on a relatively low budget compared to other King tales.

While King has been critical of many adaptations, ‘The Eyes of the Dragon’ has potential for success, especially in today's fantasy-loving audience. With the current fascination for epic fantasy, this novel could hit the mark with modern viewers. The real game-changer for bringing it to the screen, however, might not be its potential fanbase, but how cost-effectively the adaptation can be pulled off.

When ‘The Eyes of the Dragon’ hit shelves in 1984, Stephen King was already a horror heavyweight. Yet, he took a bold leap into epic fantasy with this novel, originally written for kids. Critics liked it, but fans weren't sold, missing the usual horror vibe.

Set in the kingdom of Delain, a nod to King's Dark Tower saga, the plot unfolds around a conspiracy against King Roland led by the multidimensional villain Randall Flagg. Flagg pops up across King's works like 'The Stand' and 'The Dark Tower' series. While King has explored non-horror territory before, ‘The Eyes of the Dragon’ marked his first major fantasy gamble.

If adapted for TV or film, ‘The Eyes of the Dragon’ stands out as a budget-friendly fantasy. Its single-location setting, mainly within King Roland's castle, avoids grand battles and CGI extravaganzas. Instead, it thrives on character depth, intrigue, and scheming. The standout villain, Randall Flagg, would likely steal the spotlight, making it an attractive project for big-name actors.

Casting might be the priciest part, but overall, it's an affordable venture for any studio or streaming platform. While it might not be the go-to King novel for adaptation, ‘The Eyes of the Dragon’ promises a cost-effective and successful venture with the right backing.

– Farheen Ali