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11.22.63 with James Franco is currently streaming on Netflix, but the program is not new.It was created in 2016, precisely a decade ago, adapting Stephen Kingthe book of the same, which centers on the murder ofJohn F. KennedyThe book employs science fiction elements and a sense of nostalgia to attempt to preserve JFK’s legacy, offering a thoroughly researched and, as usual, elegantly written narrative that explores the implications of altering history.
11.22.63is merely one of the many othersNovels by the King translated to film and television, whether as a television series or a full-length movie. And yet, despite so many,There are still many of King’s works that have not been adapted.for the displays. So, following11.22.63, these Stephen King novels should be adapted next.
“The Eyes of the Dragon” (1984)
The Eyes of the Dragonis a monumental novel by Stephen King that combines elements of fantasy and adventure. However, like11.22.63, it is filled with political intrigue and emphasizes cause and effect,demonstrating how minor choices result in significant historical outcomes. The Eyes of the Dragonis one of the novels that has been planned for adaptation for a long time; bothSyfyand Huluattempted to adapt it, initially into a movie and later into a series, but the projects were eventually abandoned. Hopefully, someone will take the concept forward, asThe Eyes of the Dragonwould be a highly popular adaptation;a mini-series, specifically, would be an excellent format.
The Eyes of the Dragonis completely located in the land of Delain and chronicles the lives of individuals within the royal court, led by King Roland, along with the king’s magician,Flagg. Flagg desires to claim the throne for his own, so he influences the royal family and those around them to comply with his desires. This narrative resembles a dark fairy tale, emphasizing the gradual and horrifying outcomes of misusing power rather than grand battles and confrontations. If you enjoy fantasy, intrigue, and courtly maneuvering,The Eyes of the Dragonis the ideal book to read and adapt.
‘The Talisman’ (1984)
The Talismanis frequently discussed as a potentially excellent basis for a remarkable adaptation. King composed this one withPeter Straub, and it’s another cherished fantasy book with significant promiseand failed adaptation attempts (one was even created by The Duffer Brothers). Like 11.22.63, The Talisman centers on surpassing specific boundaries and facing the consequences thereof;the traversal across worlds of Jack Sawyer, the main character ofThe Talisman, is comparable to Jake Epping’s time travel in11.22.63. Similar to many outstanding adaptations, this one would likely be more effective as a television series instead of a motion picture.
The Talismanfollows a 12-year-old boy named Jack Sawyer ashe moves between this world and a parallel dimension known as the Territorieswith the assistance of a charm. He discovers that some individuals have “twinners,” or duplicates in the Territories, and history mirrors and reoccurs across dimensions. Jack sets out on a journey to rescue his dying mother, andit becomes a legendary adventure that aids him in maturing and discovering his ethical foundation.The Talismanis a coming-of-age tale that has the potential to evolve into an enjoyable, character-focused epic with impressive science fiction elements if it is adapted properly.
‘Insomnia’ (1994)
Insomniaisn’t merely a fascinating mix of King’s previous writings, buta remarkable book that blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, action, and suspense seamlessly. It occurs inDerry, Maine, the town where the malevolent entity known as It dwells; the main character Ralph Roberts, who appears in Bag of Bones, becomes aware of the existence ofThe Dark Tower, and learns about characters from other King’s novels. Likewise to11.22.63, Insomniafeatures regular individuals who unexpectedly acquire cosmic powers and a monumental global duty.
Insomniafollows Ralph Roberts, who, following the onset of serious sleeplessness,starts noticing unusual, bald entities that appear to have power over life and death. As he gains more knowledge, Ralph becomes involved in a conflict that predates existence, seemingly, walking a tightrope between loyalty and responsibility. King employs a recognizable setting to delve into abstract concepts regarding “The Purpose” and “The Random,”two conflicting powers that bring structure and disorder to the world. Featuring impressive visual effects and commitment to the lore,Insomniacould serve as an entertaining, mind-stimulating series based on horror and psychological drama, attracting audiences who appreciated the existential aspects of11.22.63.
‘Joyland’ (2013)
JoylandIs the King in his most nostalgic moment, reflective mode; it appears he employs the same type of voice and vigor that characterizes11.22.63—preserving JFK shows a longing to see more ethically robust influences, and employing Jake’s struggle as a representation of selflessness for a larger cause. Additionally, both books lament the passage of time andlook into how short instances can shape a person’s entire life. The mystery is less important than being emotionally engaged and truthful, and the supernatural serves to highlight yearning and the human longing for connection. A character-driven adaptation could convey the warmth and sorrow ofJoyland.
Joylandis located in a declining North Carolina amusement park in 1973, and centers on college student Devin Jones who takes a summer job at Joyland. Following a breakup, and struggling to find direction in life,Devin discovers that bringing joy to kids is his greatest strength.. Soon, as he uncovers the history of Joyland, he becomes involved in an unresolved murder and goes through a significant period after meeting Annie and her dying son Mike. If done well,Joylandwould attract audiences who resonate with the romantic and sorrowful essence of11.22.63instead of its suspenseful aspects.
‘From a Buick Eight’ (2002)
From a Buick 8is King’s second book that focuses on a car—the first one is the legendaryChristine. The book was titled afterBob Dylan‘s song, “From a Buick 6,”and it is included in the plans to be adapted by both Thomas Jane and James Wan. This book is a horror narrative and presents a bleak perspective on life, which many regard asa consequence of King’s personal battle with death and vulnerability, as well as his perspective on the world and life during the 9/11 attacks. BothFrom a Buick 8 and 11.22.63claim that certain doors should not be forced open, leading to a decreased interest in unraveling the mystery and an increased focus on how residing close to it affects individuals.
From a Buick 8is recounted through the memories of Troop D, a group from Pennsylvania statesoldiers who take control of an unusual 1953 Buick Roadmaster abandonedAt a gas station, the car is non-functional, lacks the features of a regular vehicle, and sometimes generates beings or items that seem otherworldly. Over time, the troopers stop attempting to explain it and instead concentrate on keeping it under control.transferring the duty to the following generation. This horror drama could also make an excellent film, but it would need to be approached with great seriousness and portrayed using imaginative visual effects and tension.
‘The Breathing Method’ (1982)
The Breathing Methodis technically a novella instead of a book, and it’s fromKing’s series Different Seasons, part of the winter collection. Interestingly, the winter collection includes four stories, andthree have been adapted into film, all apart from The Breathing Method. Both this novella and 11.22.63 concern the past that refuses to remain hidden, locating the main character regardless of location or time.The Breathing Methodis a captivating, yet disquieting tale, and reportedly, it has been in discussions for an adaptation byScott Derrickson for some time now.
The Breathing Methodfollows a narrator named David, who is invited to an unusual men’s club by a senior member, where participants come together to share tales. David concentrates on recounting to readers the story of an older physician, Dr. Emlyn McCarron, who tells of a time hehelped a woman during childbirth by instructing her in a breathing technique. His way of narrating the story seems quiet, but the tale itself is nothing short of a horror marvel. And although this would be most effective as a period film, a series where the stories from the gentlemen’s club come to life would be an extraordinary accomplishment. It’d be similar to whatMike Flanagantried to achieve with The Midnight Club.
“The Regulators” (1996, under the name Richard Bachman)
Many individuals are unaware thatKing uses the pen name Richard Bachman.. He employs a pseudonym to write tales that lean more towards thrillers and crime narratives, although, given King’s style, it’s difficult to completely set aside his signature storytelling.The Regulatorsis one of those tales, a remarkable Bachman work that mirrors King’s approach. A fun fact is thatThe Regulatorsis a supplementary novel toDesperation, a novel King wrote under his actual name, and the stories feature overlapping characters and the primary antagonist. However,Desperationwas adapted into a full-length movie, whileThe Regulators remains intact.
The Regulatorsstarts with a peaceful suburban street that is abruptly cut off from the rest of the world when several enigmatic figures begin shooting at its inhabitants. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the story revolves around a battle against a malevolent force that takes over people, with its complexities being revealed in terrifying and creative ways. It may not bear much resemblance to11.22.63, butboth occur in a reality that seems different, yet is our own; escape is not possible, and certain actions cannot be undone, even if we are given the opportunity to rethink and redo them.The Regulators has the potential to become an epic science fiction action film or series, but its subtleties and plot twists need to be revealed in powerful ways—it appears to be a simple, direct story for the screen, but achieving all its elements correctly would be challenging.
“Roadwork” (1981, under the name Richard Bachman)
Roadworkis another story by Richard Bachman, and this one doesn’t rely on any science fiction or fantasy elements to convey its narrative—it’s simplya story about a man wandering through his own grief, fury, and hopelessness. It’s a tale that King was reluctant to republish but eventually recognized he actually liked it more than he had realized; Roadworkfeels somewhat personal and close, and as a film, it could be a deeply moving character study about a man falling apart while coping with loss and divine forces. If not a series, this kind of movie could still bea brilliant Oscar contender, if written and directed in accordance with King’s, I mean Bachman’s, writing.
Roadworkcenters on Barton Dawes, a man paralyzed by sorrow following the sudden passing of his son. Upon discovering that the state intends to tear down his house and shop to construct a highway, Bart refuses to leave, both physically and emotionally, and his defiance gradually transforms into an all-consuming obsession and acts of violence.Both Roadwork and 11.22.63are focused on resisting the passage of time, with Jake striving to correct the past and Bart endeavoring to prevent it altogether. InRoadwork, the story illustrates that resisting change can seem admirable, but it ultimately harms the individual who is fighting against it, and books centered on characters like these are what make storytelling so captivating and enduring.