Stephen King has long been the undisputed monarch of modern horror, and Hollywood keeps coming back to his sprawling universe of dark fantasy, supernatural thrillers, and post-apocalyptic nightmares. From Stanley Kubrick's The Shining to Frank Darabont's The Shawshank Redemption and Mike Flanagan's Doctor Sleep, his stories have inspired some of the most iconic films and series in genre history. Now, with recent hits like The Running Man and The Long Walk (both adapted from King's work) and the prequel series It: Welcome to Derry, the pipeline of new King adaptations is more crowded than ever.
What makes these upcoming projects so exciting isn't just the source material—it's the caliber of talent attached. From A24's prestige TV treatment to Netflix's big-budget remakes, here's our ranked guide to every Stephen King movie and show currently in development, from least to most hyped.
8. 'Mister Yummy' (TBD)
Based on a short story from King's 2015 collection The Bazaar of Bad Dreams, Mister Yummy follows Ollie Franklin, an elderly gay man in an assisted living facility who begins experiencing terrifying visions after a fellow resident dies. As reality and hallucination blur, Ollie must confront long-buried secrets. Australian director Ben Young, known for the acclaimed thriller Hounds of Love, is attached to direct, with a script by Troy Blake Abruzzise. Announced in late 2025, the project is still in early development with no cast or release date.
7. 'Cujo' (TBD)
King's grim tale of a rabid St. Bernard terrorizing a small Maine town is getting a Netflix remake. The 1983 film adaptation, starring Dee Wallace, was initially panned but has since become a cult classic. The new version, announced in 2025, is described as a modern retelling of the original film, with Roy Lee producing and rumors swirling that Darren Aronofsky might direct. However, no script, cast, or director has been officially confirmed yet.
6. 'Fairy Tale' (TBD)
King's 2022 novel Fairy Tale—a sprawling epic about a teenager who discovers a portal to a magical realm—is being adapted as a 10-episode TV series by A24. Originally planned as a film with Paul Greengrass, the project shifted to television in 2024 to better capture the book's scope. J.H. Wyman, known for Fringe, is serving as showrunner. The series is in pre-production, and fans are eager to see how A24's signature style will bring this dark fantasy to life.
5. 'The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon' (TBD)
This 1999 psychological horror novel follows nine-year-old Trisha, who gets lost in the New England woods and survives by clinging to hallucinations of her baseball hero, Tom Gordon. The film adaptation has had a long journey—George A. Romero was once attached, but the project stalled. After Romero's death, his production company revived it, and in 2025, J.T. Mollner, who directed The Long Walk, signed on to write and direct. The film is still in pre-production, but Mollner's recent success has raised expectations.
4. 'The Institute' Season 2 (2025–Present)
Based on King's 2019 novel, The Institute follows a kidnapped teenager with telekinetic abilities who uncovers a sinister facility. The first season, developed by Benjamin Cavell, premiered on MGM+ and was well-received. Season 2 picks up after the facility's destruction, with the escaped children now on the run. The show has already been renewed, and production is underway, making it one of the most anticipated returning King adaptations.
3. 'The Dark Tower' (TBD)
King's magnum opus—a sprawling fantasy-western series spanning eight novels—has been notoriously difficult to adapt. A 2017 film starring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey was a critical and commercial disappointment. Now, Amazon is reportedly developing a new TV series that aims to do justice to the source material. With a rumored budget of over $100 million and a commitment to serialized storytelling, this could be the definitive adaptation fans have been waiting for. Details are scarce, but the hype is real.
2. 'The Long Walk' (2025)
This dystopian thriller, based on King's 1979 novel (written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman), follows 100 teenage boys who must walk until only one remains. Directed by J.T. Mollner and starring a young ensemble cast, the film has been generating buzz for its tense premise and Mollner's stylish direction. Early reviews have been strong, and it's already being hailed as one of the best King adaptations in years. The film is set for release later this year.
1. 'It: Welcome to Derry' (2025–Present)
The prequel series to the blockbuster It films is the most hyped King project on the horizon. Set in the 1960s, the show explores the origins of Pennywise the Clown and the town of Derry's dark history. With Andy Muschietti returning as director and a star-studded cast including Bill Skarsgård, the series promises to expand the mythology in thrilling ways. The first season premiered to strong ratings and critical acclaim, and a second season is already in the works. This is the King adaptation that has everyone talking.
From the intimate horror of Mister Yummy to the epic scope of The Dark Tower, these upcoming projects prove that Stephen King's imagination remains an endless well for Hollywood. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there's something to be excited about. And if you're looking for more King-inspired reads, check out our list of epic books for Stephen King fans.
