Stephen King holds the distinction of being the most adapted living author worldwide, with nearly 100 films and numerous TV shows stemming from his extensive literary works. Throughout 2017, fans witnessed a remarkable trio of Stephen King film adaptations—IT, 1922, and Gerald’s Game—each delivering a distinct form of horror and demonstrating the author’s continued influence on both cinema and streaming platforms.
The Record-Breaking Revival of IT
Originally adapted as a two-part miniseries in 1990 featuring Tim Curry’s iconic portrayal of Pennywise the clown, IT returned to theaters in 2017 with a high-profile remake. This new version, backed by a $79 million budget, brought together a talented young cast including Finn Wolfhard and Bill Skarsgård, the latter of whom emerged as a terrifying embodiment of the evil clown. The story centers on the “loser’s club,” a group of preteens confronting a malicious, shape-shifting entity that exploits their deepest fears.
The 2017 film combined nostalgic elements reminiscent of 1980s coming-of-age classics with intense supernatural horror, resulting in widespread acclaim and commercial success. It garnered over $700 million globally and holds an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics and audiences alike praised Bill Skarsgård’s unsettling take on Pennywise, drawing comparisons to legendary villain portrayals by Heath Ledger and Anthony Hopkins.
Although 2019’s IT Chapter Two, which explored the adult lives of the same group, was less well-received, the initial film demonstrated how Stephen King’s deeply psychological and childhood-rooted brand of horror could become a major box office phenomenon, reaching audiences far beyond traditional horror fans.
A Haunting Tale of Guilt and Madness in 1922
In stark contrast to IT’s blockbuster scale, 1922 offers a slow-burning exploration of psychological horror adapted from King’s 2010 novella. The film follows Wilfred “Wilf” Leland James, who deliberately kills his wife to preserve financial stability. What ensues is a gradual and terrifying unraveling of Wilf’s sanity, amplified by paranoia, guilt, and eerie supernatural occurrences. Its Southern Gothic ambiance permeates every scene, focusing less on overt scares and more on a pervasive sense of dread and moral decay.
1922 premiered at the 2017 Fantastic Fest before its Netflix release that October, earning a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics highlighted Thomas Jane’s performance as Wilf as a career-defining portrayal, capturing the character’s tortured mind and the consequences that slowly consume him. This adaptation showcased Stephen King’s considerable range, illustrating how his narratives can succeed in intimate, atmospheric settings as well as massive theatrical productions.
Despite different formats and storytelling approaches, the success of both IT and 1922 affirmed King’s exceptional talent for crafting stories that leave a lasting psychological impact on viewers.
The Claustrophobic Terror of Gerald’s Game
Also released on Netflix in 2017, Gerald’s Game is adapted from King’s 1992 novel and stars Carla Gugino alongside Bruce Greenwood. The plot unfolds in a secluded house where a couple’s romantic getaway turns deadly when the husband suffers a fatal heart attack during a sexual encounter. Gugino’s character, Jessie, finds herself handcuffed to the bed with no means of escape, forced to survive while confronting traumatic memories and the blurring line between reality and hallucination.
Gerald’s Game received a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and earned acclaim for its intense, intimate atmosphere. The film’s near-exclusive setting confined to a single room enhances the suspense and sense of helplessness. Director Mike Flanagan revealed the adaptation’s challenge:
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The book, as it’s written, is really impossible to adapt.
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Flanagan achieved a breakthrough by bringing to life hallucinated figures as tangible presences in the room, making Jessie’s psychological torment more tangible and deeply haunting.
This approach resulted in some of the most unsettling and memorable scenes in recent horror cinema. While not as widely publicized as the other 2017 adaptations, Gerald’s Game garnered a strong following on Netflix, becoming one of the platform’s most-watched horror releases that year.
2017: A Landmark Year Showcasing Stephen King’s Versatility
The release of IT, 1922, and Gerald’s Game in the same year emphasized Stephen King’s unparalleled storytelling prowess. These three vastly different adaptations—ranging from a large-scale, nostalgia-infused horror blockbuster, to a Southern Gothic psychological descent, to a claustrophobic chamber piece—demonstrated the versatility and depth of King’s work. They also proved that his unique blend of character-driven, often unsettling horror continues to resonate across diverse audiences and mediums.
Together, these films reaffirmed King’s status not only as a master storyteller of horror but also as a significant cultural figure whose narratives elicit anxiety and unease, challenging viewers while captivating millions worldwide.
