This news may shock no one, but Stephen King is the living author with the most film adaptations to his name. Hollywood and TV have adapted his work for decades, almost since he first broke out on bestseller lists in the mid-70s. So, no surprise that “Fairy Tale,” his latest bestseller, which only came out in hardcover earlier this month, will get a big-screen adaptation of its own.
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But it who’s adapting King’s novel that’s newsworthy this time. Deadline reports that Paul Greengrass will adapt, direct, and produce the upcoming adaptation of “Fairy Tale.” The author and filmmaker confirmed the news yesterday, with both singing each other’s praises. “Needless to say, I’m a Paul Greengrass fan and think he’s a wonderful choice for this film,” said King. Meanwhile, Greengrass responded, “”Fairy Tale” is a work of genius. A classic adventure story and also a disturbing contemporary allegory.” The film will be Greengrass’s first since 2020’s “News Of The World.”
So, what’s “Fairy Tale” about anyways? Well, it’s not part of King’s horror canon. Instead, the epic fantasy follows a young man on the cusp of adulthood who inherits the keys to a terrifying alternate world where good and evil are at odds. As the boy journeys into the mythic roots of human storytelling, the future of that world, and his, lay in the balance.
Greengrass and producer Greg Goodman are currently shopping the series to studios and streamers. This project will be a big one wherever it lands, though, as King adaptations are a lucrative property. “Fairy Tale” joins countless of King adaptations currently in development, and there are several others on the way soon. “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” hits Netflix on October 5, with a feature adaptation of King’s short story “The Boogeyman,” a “Salem’s Lot” remake, and an untitled “Pet’s Semetary” sequel all currently in post-production.