Stephen King’s epic post-apocalyptic novel The Stand was already in the works for a theatrical film production, but it appears that it may be adding an 8-part mini-series to be released before the film, which would be produced by Warner Bros. and CBS Films, who are nearing a deal with Showtime. CBS Films and Warner Bros. both own shares in the rights to The Stand.
While Warner Bros. has a deal with HBO (both have the same parent company), because of joint-ownership with CBS Films, and since Warner Bros. is distributing the theatrical release, CBS is allowed to make a deal with Showtime (same parent company) for the mini-series televised project. No deal is yet in place with Showtime, however.
Already attached to the film (boarding the project in February 2014), is director Josh Boone (The Fault In Our Stars) who will write and direct the mini-series as well. The mini and film are anticipated to begin filming early in 2016 as one big production and the intent is to have a full A-list star-studded cast. Top talent agencies have been notified. Boone has several A-listers already in mind that he wishes to approach, many whom are interested in doing a limited television run after the popular HBO True Detective format.
King is also expected to remain involved in some capacity with the project. Producers Roy Lee and Jimmy Miller are holding high-level meetings with the filmmaking team to finalize the multi-platform plan.
The Stand was published in 1978 with a re-release in 1990 that included some revisions and additions by King. In 1994 another televised mini-series was made that starred Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald and Rob Lowe based on the novel.
Logline for The Stand: After the world is decimated by a man-made plague, a battle of literally Biblical proportions ensues between the survivors.
Originally reported by The Wrap