After several delays, fans of Stephen King are finally getting a new adaptation of his 1975 classic horror novel Salem’s Lot.
The official trailer for the upcoming movie, set to stream on Max on October 3, showcases a chilling reimagining of one of King’s most famous works.
Directed by Gary Dauberman, known for his work on It and The Conjuring franchise, this version promises a bloodcurdling experience.
Watch the trailer below.
The trailer begins with a haunting introduction of Ben Mears (Lewis Pullman), a writer who returns to his hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot seeking inspiration for his next novel. His quest for creative fuel soon turns into a nightmarish struggle for survival as the eerie town is overtaken by vampires. Kurt Barlow, played by the chilling William Sadler, leads the undead as an ancient vampire with a sinister plan for the town, while his human familiar, Richard Straker (Pilou Asbæk), manipulates events in the shadows.
The trailer builds tension with ominous music, quick cuts of terrified townsfolk, and flashes of eerie encounters, including vampires at the window and disturbing laughter echoing through the night. Key characters are introduced, such as Susan Norton (Makenzie Leigh), Ben’s love interest; Dr. Cody (Alfre Woodard), who warns Ben about the danger; and Father Callahan (John Benjamin Hickey), the town priest who will later have an important role in King’s The Dark Tower series.
Notably, the trailer is set to the haunting strains of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Sundown,” adding an extra layer of eeriness. As the transformation of the town unfolds, Mears and his allies must battle not only for their lives but to save Jerusalem’s Lot from falling into complete darkness.
The road to the screen for this version of Salem’s Lot has been long. Originally slated for a theatrical release in September 2022, the film was delayed multiple times before ultimately shifting to the Max streaming platform. Dauberman, who wrote and directed the film, is no stranger to King’s work, having penned the scripts for It (2017) and It: Chapter Two (2019). His horror pedigree also includes Annabelle and The Nun, cementing his ability to handle such a dark and intense story.
This is not the first time Salem’s Lot has been adapted. The original CBS miniseries in 1979 remains iconic, earning three Emmy nominations. A feature film sequel, A Return to Salem’s Lot, followed in 1987, and a TNT miniseries starring Rob Lowe aired in 2004. More recently, in 2021, Epix’s Chapelwaite brought a prequel series based on King’s short story Jerusalem’s Lot, starring Adrien Brody.
Don’t miss the premiere of Salem’s Lot on Max, October 3. Prepare for a night of vampires, terror, and a town lost to darkness.
Watch the trailer:
