CBS All Access is going to adapt “The Stand,” Stephen King’s 1978 novel, into a 10-episode limited series.
The adaptation will be written and directed by Josh Boone, who is best known for directing “The Fault in Our Stars,” and is currently helming the “X-Men” film, “New Mutants.”
“The Stand” is King’s apocalyptic vision of a world decimated by plague and embroiled in an elemental struggle between good and evil. The fate of mankind rests on the frail shoulders of the 108-year-old Mother Abagail and a handful of survivors. Their worst nightmares are embodied in a man with a lethal smile and unspeakable powers: Randall Flagg, the Dark Man. The novel marks the first appearance of Flagg, a frequent villain that pops up in King’s other works.
“I’m excited and so very pleased that ‘The Stand’ is going to have a new life on this exciting new platform,” King said in a statement. “The people involved are men and women who know exactly what they’re doing; the scripts are dynamite. The result bids to be something memorable and thrilling. I believe it will take viewers away to a world they hope will never happen.”
The series will be produced by CBS Television Studios. Boone and Ben Cavell will write and executive produce, with Roy Lee, Jimmy Miller and Richard P. Rubinstein also serving as executive producers. Will Weiske and Miri Yoon are attached as co-executive producers, with Owen King as a producer.
“With over 400 million books sold around the world, Stephen King is one of our greatest living authors and ‘The Stand’ is widely considered the crown jewel of his work. Millions of fans have been waiting for a modern interpretation that delivers on its depth, scope and ambition,” said Julie McNamara, executive vice president, original content, CBS All Access. “We are thrilled to be working with Stephen, Josh, Ben and a dedicated team working passionately to bring this brilliant material to life.”
The series will be the second King-inspired drama on streaming. Hulu has “Castle Rock,” which isn’t adapted directly from any of King’s novels but is set inside the fictional world that he created.