THE trailer for the upcoming adaptation of Stephen King's novel It, about the evil clown Pennywise, played by Bill Skarsgard, received a record-setting 190 million views in its first 24 hours online, according to the author's official website – suggesting that the appetite for his brand of terror is as high as ever.
Many of King's 54 novels have been turned into feature films – here are some of the most memorable adaptations.
CARRIE
This was the book that changed King's life at 26, as he went from being a teacher to a best-selling author. The bloody tale of a bullied 16-year-old girl who uses her paranormal powers to cause devastation at her high school prom has become an unforgettable piece of cinema for countless viewers.
Carrie was first adapted for the big screen just two years after it was published in 1974. Directed by Brian De Palma, with a screenplay by Lawrence D Cohen, this is arguably King's most successful adaptation – as well as being a box office hit, it received two Academy Award nominations, one for Sissy Spacek in the title role, and one for Piper Laurie as her abusive mother.
In 2002 came a television version on US channel NBC, before Chloe Moretz played the title role in a 2013 cinematic remake, with Julianne Moore as Carrie's mother.
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
Originally published in one of King's collections, Different Seasons, in 1982, the novella Rita Hayworth And The Shawshank Redemption was made into what is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.
Released in 1994, The Shawshank Redemption stars Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in the tale of Andy Dufresne, who has been wrongly imprisoned for the murder of his wife. Over time, he forges alliances within the prison and makes plans for a life outside the walls.
It's been pointed out previously how the story shares several plot points with God Sees the Truth, But Waits, a nine-page short story by Russian writer Leo Tolstoy.
THE SHINING
King is arguably best known for this horror masterpiece, which he said was inspired by a stay at a grand old hotel in Colorado, in 1974. King decided it was the "archetypical" setting for a ghost story.
He wrote on his website: "That night I dreamed of my three-year-old son running through the corridors, looking back over his shoulder, eyes wide, screaming. He was being chased by a fire-hose. I woke up with a tremendous jerk, sweating all over, within an inch of falling out of bed. I got up, lit a cigarette, sat in the chair looking out the window at the Rockies, and by the time the cigarette was done, I had the bones of the book firmly set in my mind."
Jack Nicholson's turn as the increasingly demented Jack Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 adaptation is renowned for being truly spine-chilling.
MISERY
In 1987, King created the character of novelist Paul Sheldon, who wants to stop writing historical romances featuring heroine Misery Chastain and start publishing literary fiction. But his number one fan, Annie Wilkes, has different ideas after she rescues Sheldon from the scene of a car accident. She imprisons him while forcing him to write a book that brings Misery back to life.
The psychological thriller was made into a film three years later, and starred Kathy Bates as Wilkes in a performance which landed her the Academy Award.
Directed by Rob Reiner, the most gruesome part of the film is the "hobbling" scene, which shows Wilkes breaking the ankles of Sheldon with a sledgehammer. It could have been worse – in King's novel, she chops off his left foot with an axe.
THE DEAD ZONE
King's seventh novel, a foray into science fiction, concerns former schoolteacher Johnny Smith, who is injured in an accident and remains in a coma for nearly five years. When he wakes up, he discovers he can see people's futures and pasts when touches them – leading to a disturbing vision after he shakes the hand of an ambitious and amoral politician.
Throughout all of this, we question whether Smith's gift is more of a blessing or a curse.
The book spawned a television series and a 1983 film adaptation directed by David Cronenberg, starring Christopher Walken as Smith.
THE GREEN MILE
The Green Mile was first written by King in six paperback volumes – the first of which, published in 1996, was entitled The Two Dead Girls – before being republished as a single paperback novel.
It reveals the plight of John Coffey, who has been sentenced to death for the rape and murder of two young girls. However, Paul Edgecomb, the ward superintendent, discovers Coffey is a friendly giant who has the power to heal.
The film adaptation includes an incredibly emotional performance by Tom Hanks as Edgecomb – a choice of actor which was said to have delighted King – and is reportedly the highest-grossing King movie – $286.8 million worldwide.
::: It opens in cinemas on Friday September 08.
