There’s no question that literary horror masterStephen Kinghas influenced the genre across decades. His work has become synonymous with modern horror, and it’s no coincidence that2017’s adaptation ofItis the most successful horror film of all time. But when asked about his influence on other major projects in the genre that are not based on his books, King remains coy. The author was asked if he believes that theNetflixhorror fantasy showStranger Thingsfeels like one of his books, and his answer may actually surprise you.
The author recently sat to answer a few questions from fans viaThe Guardian. From the actor he would like to play him in a biopic (“I’d say maybe Christopher Lloyd or – who’s the guy inTwin Peaks, the main tall guy? Kyle MacLachlan.") to the bands he likes to listen to (LCD Soundsystem and Metallica, among others), King candidly answered everything. When asked if he thought thatStranger Thingsfelt like a King novel, this was his answer:
“I don’t see it as a Stephen King story as much as some other people do. I think the Duffer Brothers give me more credit than I deserve. Like a lot of talented people, they grew up with my material. When they were young and malleable, they read a lot of Stephen King and said, ‘We want to do something like that.’
“But they’re very talented guys and the story they have developed has a lot more to it than Stephen King. It’s got a lot of Duffer Brothers in it. It’s good. I’ve seen all the episodes. I like it a lot.”
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When asked how he’s such a prolific writer, King displayed his usually playful attitude when answering: “It’s hard to decide what to do with those two or three extra hours a day between 9am and noon. You can only watch so many game shows on TV. I can go for a walk, but then I’m still thinking about the next thing. Basically, man, I’m entertaining myself.” Today, King is as prolific as ever, often releasing several books a year.
In recent years, we’ve also seen a resurgence of King film and TV adaptations, which also speaks for itself. It seems everywhere you look, there’san adaptation of a Stephen King bookplaying. 2025 has already brought usThe Monkey,The Institute, andThe Life of Chuck. In upcoming weeks, we’ll get the chance to seeThe Long Walk,The Running ManandIt: Welcome to Derry. Yes, it’s shaping up to be one of the most prolific years in terms of Stephen King adaptations, and fans are eagerly waiting for news about Mike Flanagan’s futureCarrieandDark Toweradaptations.
When asked if he feels excitement or despair whenever a film or TV adaptation idea lands on his lap, King says he’s stillexcited about them. But at the same time, he marks the difference between the mediums:
“I’m still excited when somebody makes a movie out of something that I’ve done. I was excited to see The Monkey earlier this year, and The Life of Chuck. I’m very excited to see The Running Man, which was filmed in England. I don’t write with movies in mind. I just write what seems like a good story that people and I will enjoy. Then whatever happens to it happens. That’s fine. I like the movies, but I think they’re different things, like apples and oranges, so to speak.”
Stranger Things
