Stephen King played a significant role in the creation of Mike Flanagan’s film adaptation of his novella, *The Life of Chuck*. The drama features Tom Hiddleston as Charles “Chuck” Krantz and delves into different stages of his life, from his upbringing by his grandparents in a house with ghostly undertones to his eventual demise, all set against the backdrop of an impending apocalypse. The film also stars an ensemble cast, including Mark Hamill, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, and Jacob Tremblay. This project represents Flanagan’s third adaptation of a King work, marking a shift from his usual horror genre to a purely dramatic narrative.
In an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter* coinciding with the film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Flanagan discussed King’s role in the development of *The Life of Chuck*. The author was heavily involved during the pre-production phase, offering substantial input, especially in casting decisions, but he chose to distance himself once shooting commenced, entrusting Flanagan with the creative direction:
“When we were doing *The Life of Chuck*, we had numerous discussions before production began. He holds significant approval power over aspects like casting and various details. But once the filming starts, he distances himself, saying, ‘The movie’s yours and the book is mine.'”
Over time, King and Flanagan have cultivated a strong professional relationship. Flanagan previously brought King’s *Doctor Sleep* to the screen. During a screening at King’s hometown theater in Bangor, Maine, Flanagan was more focused on King’s reactions than the film itself:
“I was constantly trying to subtly gauge his reactions. If he nodded, I felt, ‘Great, it’s working!’ If he sighed or shifted, I thought, ‘Oh no, he hates it!’ And it was a long movie.”
However, at the film’s conclusion, King leaned over to commend Flanagan on his excellent work. “I just about died,” Flanagan recalled. “Then he invited me to his home. We shared pizza and had a great conversation in his library. He’s truly the nicest.”
The Significance of Stephen King’s Role in *The Life of Chuck*
#### The Dynamic Partnership Between Director and Author
Flanagan notes that King had “an enormous amount of approvals on things like casting and other details.” Although King hasn’t directed a film since his debut with *Maximum Overdrive*, he is no stranger to film adaptations of his work. His extensive experience in the industry, combined with his profound understanding of his own stories, makes him a valuable resource for discussing casting and filming ideas. It appears that King contributed significantly to *The Life of Chuck* until filming began, at which point he entrusted the project entirely to Flanagan.
Our Perspective on Flanagan’s Remarks
#### King’s Participation Will Enhance *The Life of Chuck*
The nature of collaboration between an author and a filmmaker can vary significantly when adapting a book into a movie. Each project must find the right balance for author involvement. It is evident that Flanagan values King’s contributions, seeing them as beneficial, particularly in casting and pre-production, with King intimately familiar with the characters and narrative. Simultaneously, it seems King appreciates Flanagan’s filmmaking expertise, choosing to step back once production starts. The mutual respect and understanding between the author and director suggest a harmonious working relationship, which we anticipate will be evident in *The Life of Chuck*.
Source: THR
The Life of Chuck
- Drama
- Fantasy
- Sci-Fi
Based on the short story written by Stephen King, The Life of Chuck is a drama/supernatural film by writer-director Mike Flanagan. Tom Hiddleston stars as the titular Charles Krantz and traverses three phases of his life, including his time spent growing up in a haunted house.
