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There are many upcoming Stephen King movies and TV shows in production, and it can be tough to keep track. With a career that has spanned over 60 years, including more than 200 short stories and about 70 novels, it’s no surprise his works are frequently turned into films and series.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the list of new horror projects based on King’s stories, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Here, you’ll find a complete guide to all the upcoming Stephen King adaptations so you can stay informed effortlessly. Now that The Long Walk is in theaters, is a great time to catch up — and for those interested, our detailed explanation of The Long Walk’s ending might be helpful.
Soon, fans can look forward to titles like The Running Man, IT: Welcome to Derry, and more. For all the details on what’s coming in the King universe, keep scrolling down.
Movies
The Running Man
Release date: November 14, 2025
This story has been adapted once before, but a new version is on the horizon, led by director Edgar Wright and writer Michael Bacall. Originally published under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman, the dystopian novel follows Ben Richards, who becomes a contestant in a deadly reality show called The Running Man. The show lets contestants run across the globe while being hunted by the public, who earn money if they manage to catch and kill them.
Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards, with Josh Brolin as producer Dan Killian, Colman Domingo as the eccentric host Bobby Thompson, and Lee Pace as Evan McCone. Emilia Jones plays Amelia Williams, Katy O’Brien is a contestant named Laughlin, and William H. Macy appears as Bradley Thockmorton. Although the 1987 film loosely based on the novel took creative liberties, Wright assures this new film will stick more closely to the book.
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
Release date: TBD
A favorite among King fans, this novel is finally getting an adaptation. JT Mollner, who wrote The Long Walk and directed Strange Darling, is set to direct the project for Lionsgate. The story follows nine-year-old Trisha, who becomes lost in the woods with only her Walkman and begins to hallucinate her hero, baseball star Tom Gordon, is coming to save her.
This story initially had plans for a film with director George A. Romero, but the project was delayed before Romero’s death. In 2019, Lynne Ramsay was attached to direct, but the rights lapsed and were recently picked up again by Lionsgate.
Cujo
Release date: TBD
Netflix has made a deal to adapt Cujo, the 1981 novel about a killer dog, though no creative team has been announced yet. The story involves a sweet St. Bernard that contracts rabies and becomes murderous, targeting a mother and her child. The original adaptation in 1983, directed by Lewis Teague, was poorly received but has since become a cult classic. The new version may be produced by Roy Lee, known for The Long Walk and Weapons.
Billy Summers
Release date: TBD
King’s 2021 novel about a semi-retired hitman is set for a new adaptation. Initially announced in 2022 as a miniseries from J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot, recent reports suggest it might become a feature film produced in collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way. The story follows Billy Summers, who only kills those he believes are truly evil, and begins to suspect he’s being set up after taking a big job. Rumors speculate DiCaprio may star as Billy, with Abrams possibly directing.
Elevation
Release date: TBD
A script for a film adaptation of King’s novella Elevation was completed back in 2021. The story centers on Scott Carey, a man with a mysterious illness, who helps a local couple facing backlash in the haunted town of Castle Rock, Maine. Although the project has faced delays, it still appears to be moving forward based on recent statements suggesting rights are now owned by James Wan’s Atomic Monster.
TV Shows
IT: Welcome to Derry
Release date: October 2025
Director Andy Muschietti is returning to bring us more of Pennywise via a prequel series. Set 27 years before the first IT movie, it explores Pennywise’s origins. The cast includes Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, James Remar, and Stephen Rider. Muschietti has a three-season plan, with seasons set in 1962, 1935, and 1908. The show is expected to delve deep into Derry’s dark past, building on the success of Muschietti’s previous films.
Carrie
Release date: 2026
A new series based on King’s novel about a bullied teen with telekinetic powers is in the works, written and directed by Mike Flanagan. The story follows Carrie White, who discovers her powers and faces her abusive mother. The cast features Summer H. Howell as Carrie, Siena Agudong as Sue Snell, and others. There’s no set premiere yet, but fans are eager for a spooky new take on the classic.
The Institute, Season 2
Release date: TBD
Already renewed before its debut, The Institute’s second season continues the story of kidnapped children with supernatural powers held in a mysterious facility. The show stars Joe Freeman and features ongoing battles with overseers like Julia Sigsby. With good early reviews, a second season seems likely.
Fairy Tale
Release date: TBD
Initially planned as a movie, this adaptation of King’s 2022 novel has shifted to a TV series, with showrunner J.H. Wyman and involvement from the Duffer Brothers of Stranger Things fame. The story follows a teen named Charlie who inherits mystical keys that lead him into a war between good and evil, set across two realities: 1984 and a fantasy land called The Territories.
Cancelled Projects and Other Notes
Some projects have faced delays or cancellation, such as the adaptations of From a Buick 8, which has been in limbo since the late 2000s, and Joyland, which remains in development hell after initial plans for a TV series. The 2017 film The Dark Tower was not a success, prompting plans for a new adaptation that will span five seasons and two movies, produced by Mike Flanagan for Prime Video.
There are also other projects like The Tommyknockers and Sleepwalking, but details remain scarce or the projects are not actively moving forward at this time. Overall, the era of Stephen King adaptations continues to evolve, with many stories set to come back to screens in new and exciting ways.
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