New Line Cinema’s adaptation of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot will not be hitting theaters as initially planned, but will instead be released on an OTT service later this year. This decision was a surprising one, especially in light of Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s strong stance on theatrical releases over straight-to-streaming films. The buzz surrounding this shift in strategy has left many industry insiders wondering about the future of big screen adaptations in the age of streaming.
Salem’s Lot was poised to be a major player in New Line’s lineup, following the success of the It franchise which grossed over $1.1 billion globally. The movie, directed and adapted by Gary Dauberman, was originally set for a post Labor Day release in 2022. However, the film faced delays and required reshoots, prompting the studio to rethink its release strategy. Despite the setbacks, the anticipation for Salem’s Lot remains high among fans of the horror genre.
The plot of Salem’s Lot revolves around author Ben Mears, played by Lewis Pullman, who returns to his hometown in search of inspiration for his next book. However, he soon discovers that the town is under attack by a bloodthirsty vampire. The cast also includes Alfre Woodard, Makenzie Leigh, Bill Camp, Spencer Treat Clark, Pilou Asbæk, and John Benjamin Hickey, promising a star-studded ensemble that will bring King’s iconic characters to life on screen.
In addition to director Gary Dauberman, Salem’s Lot boasts a talented team of executive producers, including James Wan and Michael Clear from Atomic Monster, Roy Lee from Vertigo, and Mark Wolper. The involvement of these industry heavyweights, along with other EPs such as Michael Bederman, Andrew Childs, and Judson Scott, underscores the high expectations for the film and its potential to captivate audiences with its chilling narrative.
As the release date for Salem’s Lot on OTT draws closer, fans and critics alike are eager to see how the film will fare in the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment consumption. Will the decision to forgo a theatrical release pay off for New Line Cinema, or will it signal a shift towards streaming for other major studios in the future? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Salem’s Lot is poised to make a lasting impact on audiences, whether on the big screen or in the comfort of their own homes.