Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot: Where to Watch, cast, plot, Trailer, & Everything we know so far

Stephen King's Salem’s Lot is finally returning to the screen, bringing with it the eerie charm of his 1975 vampire novel. This time, the dark tale of Jerusalem’s Lot is being reimagined in a new movie from New Line Cinema, helmed by Gary Dauberman, known for his spine-chilling work on The Nun and It. 

The story follows Ben Mears, a writer who returns to his childhood town only to discover that a sinister vampire is draining it of life. The original novel is celebrated as one of King’s best, and this adaptation is set to be just as terrifying, with a fresh cinematic take on classic horror.

The latest buzz around Salem’s Lot remake confirms that the movie will debut this October on Max, as announced by Warner Bros. Discovery. The streaming release has horror fans on the edge of their seats, with expectations high after the long wait and rumors of shelving. While the exact date is still under wraps, the October release window sets the stage for a perfect Halloween scare.

In this article, we dive deep into everything we know so far about Salem’s Lot, from its gripping plot details to the behind-the-scenes drama and the long-awaited release news. Keep reading to stay up-to-date on every chilling detail as we continue to bring you the latest updates. Trust us, you don’t want to miss what’s lurking in the shadows!

Release date & Where to Watch

Salem's Lot will premiere on Max on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. The film will also be released theatrically in the United Kingdom and Ireland on Oct. 11, 2024. It has been rated R for bloody violence and language.

Be careful who you let inside.

Based on Stephen King's terrifying novel, the new Max Original film #SalemsLot, from the creator of The Conjuring Universe and a producer of It, premieres October 3 exclusively on @StreamOnMax. #MaxGetsMovies pic.twitter.com/ZSbeZEyNfU

— Max Movies (@moviesonmax) September 12, 2024

Plot

The exact plot details of the Salem's Lot remake remain under wraps, and it’s unclear how closely the new film will follow Stephen King’s 1975 novel. What is known is that the movie will stay true to the core storyline: Ben Mears, a writer, returns to his childhood town of Jerusalem’s Lot to confront the trauma he experienced there. Instead, he discovers an ancient vampire, Kurt Barlow, who is draining the town of its lifeblood.

As the first to notice the vampire threat, Ben teams up with a local teen named Mike Ryerson to uncover the sinister events unfolding in the town. The film is expected to add new elements to the story, likely updating the 50-year-old novel for modern audiences.

In King’s novel, Ben is drawn to the Marsten House, a place that haunted him as a child. This time, the house is occupied by the vampire Barlow and his devious familiar, Richard Straker. Together, they begin to turn the town’s residents into vampires. As the terror spreads, Ben gathers a group of locals to fight against the malevolent forces threatening Jerusalem’s Lot.

Salem's Lot is one of King’s most iconic works in the horror genre and has been adapted for the screen multiple times, including a 1979 CBS miniseries and a 2004 television adaptation on TNT. This latest film adaptation promises to deliver a fresh take on the classic story, with a blend of suspense and horror that has made the novel a timeless piece of American literature.

Cast

pic.twitter.com/2GgOPeDLqh

— Max Movies (@moviesonmax) August 23, 2024

• Lewis Pullman (Top Gun: Maverick) as Ben Mears
• Alfre Woodard (12 Years a Slave) as Dr. Cody
• Makenzie Leigh (Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk) as Susan Norton
• Bill Camp (The Queen's Gambit) as Matthew Burke
• Spencer Treat Clark (Gladiator) as Mike Ryerson
• Pilou Asbæk as Straker
• John Benjamin Hickey (Barry) as Father Callahan
• Nicholas Crovetti as Danny Glick
• John Benjamin Hickey as Father Callahan
• Debra Christofferson as Anne Norton
• Rebecca Gibel as Mabel Wertz
• Cade Woodward as Ralph Glick
• Sierra Hawkins as Little Girl Vampire
• Kellan Rhude as Floyd Tibbits
• Jordan Preston Carter as Mark Petrie
• Mike Bash as Officer Taylor
• Danielle Perry as Marjorie Glick
• Carly Silverman as Vampire
• Fedna Jacquet as June Petrie

Trailer

Stephen King himself has seen the film and believes it’s quite good, leaving him puzzled as to why the studio initially decided to shelve it.

Between you and me, Twitter, I've seen the new SALEM'S LOT and it's quite good. Old-school horror filmmaking: slow build, big payoff. Not sure why WB is holding it back; not like it's embarrassing, or anything. Who knows. I just write the fucking things.

— Stephen King (@StephenKing) February 19, 2024

Where was Salem’s Lot Filmed?

Salem's Lot, an adaptation of Stephen King's 1975 novel, began filming in September 2021, primarily in Massachusetts. Principal photography took place in Boston, with additional scenes shot in Ipswich, Sterling, and Clinton, all located in Worcester County. The Princeton Public Library in Princeton, Massachusetts, was also used as a filming location for several days. Additional photography wrapped up around late May or early June 2022.

Who Is Making Salem's Lot?

The upcoming Salem's Lot adaptation, slated for a 2024 release on Max, is directed and written by Gary Dauberman, known for his work on The Conjuring and Annabelle series. Dauberman also serves as an executive producer. The film's production team includes James Wan and Michael Clear from Atomic Monster, Roy Lee from Vertigo, and Mark Wolper, with additional executive producers Michael Bederman, Andrew Childs, and Judson Scott. With Dauberman's horror expertise and strong industry support, this adaptation promises to be a gripping reimagining of Stephen King's classic novel.