Hollywood has another Stephen King novel in its sights

Stephen King. Image: AFP/Eric Feferberg via AFP Relaxnews

After “The Dark Tower” and “It”, “The Talisman” is the latest of the author’s books in line for big-screen treatment, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Stephen King’s fantasy novel, published in the 1980s, tells the story of a young boy who’ll do anything to save his dying mother.

The book is about a 12-year-old Jack Sawyer who is forced to move to New Hampshire with his mother Lily, who is dying of cancer, as they flee her dead husband’s former business partner. Her son discovers the existence of another world, called “the Territories,” where a talisman is hidden, the only remedy capable of saving his mother. However, this fantasy land turns out to be highly dangerous.

Published in 1984, “The Talisman” actually has two authors. Taking a break from his horror stories, Stephen King teamed up with American author Peter Straub on this book, with both authors writing parts of the tale. They also penned a sequel called “Black House”, published in 2001, which followed Jack Sawyer as an adult. According to Peter Straub, a third tome has been in the pipeline for several years.

The big-screen version is being written by Josh Boone, who directed and wrote another recent adaptation, “The Fault in our Stars”. He also directed “X-Men: The New Mutants”, out April 13 in the United States, and is on board to write and direct the movie adaptation of another Stephen King book, “The Stand”.

The Maine-born author is currently in vogue in Hollywood. “It” has grossed more than $600 million at the global box office since opening in September. “Jessie”, available on Netflix, has received critical acclaim and the “Mr. Mercedes” series has been picked up for a second season. Still upcoming are “Castle Rock”, an anthology series coming to Hulu next year, and a TV series based on “The Dark Tower” which also gave rise to a movie, released in August. JB

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