For a while, it seemed like a modern adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘Salem’s Lot’ might never see the light of day, but sometimes it’s great to be proven wrong. In a profile for Vanity Fair that includes the first images from the film, director Gary Dauberman shared how the project finally came to life. King fans might recognize Dauberman from his work on the recent *It* adaptation, where he skillfully brought another of King’s classic novels to the screen. Now, he’s turning his attention to one of King’s most iconic vampire tales.
Dauberman admitted that he had the same concerns as everyone else. Despite his eagerness to release the film, it got caught up in the Warner Bros. shake-up that led to the cancellation of the infamous ‘Batgirl’ movie. “This movie was made during the transition to new ownership, which was an interesting experience,” Dauberman explained. “At a certain point, it’s out of your control. People were asking me, ‘Where’s the movie?’ I wish I had an answer other than a shrug and ‘I don’t know.’” Fortunately, unlike ‘Batgirl’, ‘Salem’s Lot’ won’t be shelved and is set to premiere on HBO Max in October 2024.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
‘Salem’s Lot’ has been adapted several times before, most notably in Tobe Hooper’s miniseries and later in a television event starring Rob Lowe. For Dauberman’s version, he wanted to bring something fresh by staying true to the story’s roots. Like his previous works, the director was keen on setting the film in the past, specifically the groovy ’70s, which is fitting given when the book was written.
Dauberman was excited to place the film in the era it was originally set in, a tactic often used in horror films to capture a certain aesthetic. Movies like ‘The Conjuring’ franchise and ‘It’ have a unique charm when set in earlier decades.
Image Courtesy: Bloody Disgusting
This approach helps distinguish ‘Salem’s Lot’ from its predecessors and adds a nostalgic appeal. Although the film won’t have a theatrical release in the U.S., this creative decision is likely to draw viewers when Halloween 2024 arrives. After such a long wait for the film’s completion, fans can finally look forward to seeing Dauberman’s vision come to life when ‘Salem’s Lot’ premieres on Max.
–Farheen Ali