Filmmaker Mike Flanagan has an interesting choice to make with his upcoming film “Doctor Sleep.” The film, which is based on the novel of the same name by legendary author Stephen King, is a sequel, of sorts, to the classic Stanley Kubrick film “The Shining.” However, considering the film is based on King’s novel, and the author has never shied away from taking shots at Kubrick’s version of his work, Flanagan had to choose whether or not to link his film to the Kubrick masterpiece or stick to the established canon of the novels. Luckily for film fans, he chose the former.
In an interview with Bloody Disgusting, Flanagan was asked whether or not “Doctor Sleep” will acknowledge the events of Kubrick’s “The Shining.” In no uncertain terms, he says his film will definitely do that.
“Yeah, I think you do,” Flanagan said. “I think you do have to acknowledge that. There is no version of the world where I am trying not to acknowledge one of the greatest films ever made. There’s no upside in shying away from that reality.”
But that being said, Flanagan isn’t attempting to copy Kubrick (nor should he), and says “Doctor Sleep” naturally lends itself to a new interpretation.
“At the same time, this is not ‘The Shining,’” he said. “It’s its own story and in a very specific way. If you’ve read the book, you know exactly why it’s so different but it’s quite a tightrope that we’re walking I think. I’m having a great time doing it. I’m just going to get the movie out and then turn off the internet for two weeks and see how it all goes.”
READ MORE: Indie Band Deerhoof Covers Famous Song From ‘The Shining’ For New Stanley Kubrick-Inspired Album
Flanagan is doing the rounds, promoting his upcoming Netflix series “The Haunting of Hill House,” which saw him direct all 10 episodes. In addition, film fans are probably familiar with his more well-known works like “Gerald’s Game” (also based on a King story), as well as films like “Hush,” “Oculus,” and “Ouija: Origin of Evil.”
“Doctor Sleep” is set to star Ewan McGregor, as Danny Torrance, and Rebecca Ferguson. The film is scheduled for a January 24, 2020 release.
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