Alfre Woodard has boarded the cast ofSalem’s Lot, an upcoming movie adaptation at New Line based on the novel by Stephen King. The Oscar-nominated actress has reportedly been cast in the role of Dr. Cody, who’s depicted as a male character named Dr. Jimmy Cody in the original King novel. Another version of Dr. Cody was played by Robert Mammone in the 2004 miniseries adaptation.
Several other cast members for the newSalem’s Lothave also been announced.Lewis Pullman was cast as Ben Mears. Other actors attached include Makenzie Leigh as Susan Norton, Bill Camp as Matt Burke, and Spencer Treat Clark as Mike Ryerson. Like the novel,Salem’s Lotfollows Ben Mears returning to his childhood home of Jerusalem’s Lot in search of inspiration for his next book, only to discover his hometown is being preyed upon by a bloodthirsty vampire.
James Wan is producing the newSalem’s Lotmovie for New Line Cinema.ItandIt: Chapter Twowriter Gary Dauberman, who’s executive producing, is also on board to both write and direct. Speaking with Slash Film after the project was first announced, Dauberman teased what was to come with this new adaptation.
“I didhave a unique way into itbut again, I think the book in itself is unique,” he said. “Certainly now, I haven’t seen a scary vampire movie in a long, long time and I’d really love to tackle that. It’s one of my favorite books. It’s one of my favorite Stephen King books. We felt it should have the cinematic treatment that we gaveIT;ITwas a miniseries as well. The experience of bringing that to the big screen was such a joy that I was so happy we will have the opportunity to do that forSalem’s Lot.”
Published in 1975, theSalem’s Lotnovel has long beenone of Stephen King’s most well known works. It previously inspired a 1979 miniseries adaptation directed by Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre) which starred David Soul as Ben Mears. This was a hit with viewers and was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards. The famous scene with the vampire outside of the window remains one of horror’s most terrifying moments.
In 1987, Larry Cohen released the movieA Return to Salem’s Lot. It is considered to be a sequel to the miniseries but it introduces a new cast of characters, furthering the mythology of the paranormal events that happen in Salem’s Lot. TNT aired an unconnected miniseries adaptation in 2004 with Rob Lowe taking on the role of Ben Mears. More recently, references to the series and the fictional town could be spotted in Hulu’s King-inspiredCastle Rockseries.
For the 1983 movieCross Creek, Woodard was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards. Her other movie roles includeCaptain America: Civil War,The Lion King, andAnnabelle. The actress has won Emmy Awards for her roles in the TV showsHill Street Blues,L.A. Law,Miss Evers' Boys, andThe Practice. She’s also had memorable roles in other small screen titles likeTrue Blood,State of Affairs, andLuke Cage.
Recently,Alfre Woodardstarred in the acclaimed movieClemency, which earned her a BAFTA Award nomination and a Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead. She also stars with Jason Momoa in Apple TV+‘sSeeand the Netflix movieFatherhoodwith Kevin Hart. Woodard can also be seen in the upcoming movieThe Gray Manfrom the Russo Brothers which co-stars Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans.
Production onSalem’s Lotis now underway in Boston. There isn’t a release date yet set for the feature. This news comes to us fromDeadline.
