Mike Flanagan is deep into the writing process for his upcoming adaptation of Stephen King's The Mist, and he's given fans a concrete update on its progress. During a recent interview at the Toronto International Film Festival, where he was promoting his new Prime Video take on Carrie, Flanagan revealed that he's currently working on the screenplay and expects to turn it in around Halloween.
“I’m writing it right now,” Flanagan told Collider. “I was working on it on the airplane here.” He added that he plans to keep writing during his travels and between festival commitments, aiming for a Halloween deadline, though he hedged with “I think,” so it's not a hard date. Still, this confirms the project has moved from announcement to active development.
Warner Bros. unveiled the project earlier this year, but details on casting, production, and release remain under wraps. Flanagan's version will be his fourth King adaptation, following Gerald's Game, Doctor Sleep, and The Life of Chuck, not to mention his upcoming Carrie series for Prime Video, which has already earned praise from King himself.
A Fresh Take on a Classic
Frank Darabont's 2007 film adaptation of The Mist is legendary, especially for its gut-wrenching ending. Flanagan is well aware of the high bar set by that movie, but he's not trying to top it—he's aiming for something entirely different. “There’s no point in doing it again, so I get to do something new, which is always exciting,” he explained, calling Darabont's film “wonderful” and “vicious.”
Flanagan didn't spill any details on what that new direction might be—whether it's a shift in character focus, a different take on the creatures, or a reimagined conclusion. But his admiration for the original makes it clear he's not looking to correct any perceived flaws. Instead, he's carving out his own path, which is exactly what fans of his previous King adaptations have come to expect.
While we wait for more news on The Mist, Flanagan's Carrie series is set to premiere on Prime Video on October 7. The show, which features a female-led directing team, has already generated buzz, and King himself has given it a thumbs-up. For more on Flanagan's upcoming projects, check out our coverage of his Carrie adaptation and his brilliant Poe mashup.
As for The Mist, fans will have to be patient. With the script still in progress and no cast attached, a release date is likely a ways off. But knowing Flanagan, the wait will be worth it. He's proven time and again that he can honor King's source material while bringing his own unique vision to the screen.
Stay tuned for more updates as Flanagan continues to work on this highly anticipated project. And if you're new to King's work, you might want to check out some essential reads to get in the mood.
