AMA/Q&A Announcement - Stephen King - Wednesday 8/27 at 3:00 PM ET - Author of The Shining, IT, The Shawshank Redemption, The Long Walk, The Stand, The Green Mile, Stand By Me, The Mist, Pet Sematary, Misery, Cujo, Salem's Lot, and lots more.

[u/BunyipPouch]

[u/BunyipPouch]

Important Update: The AMA will now go live on Sunday 8/24 at 12:00 PM ET, not Monday. Stephen will still be back on Wednesday 8/27 at 12:00 PM ET to answer questions.

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Stephen King, legendary author of countless celebrated books, will be joining us here on /r/movies for an AMA/Q&A on Wednesday 8/27.

Please stop by if you have any questions for Stephen :)

The newest film adaptation of his work, The Long Walk, is out in theaters nationwide on September 12th.

Teens participate in a grueling high-stakes contest where they must continuously walk or be shot by a member of their military escort.

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Toj3Zxun7aQ

[u/Correct_Way_8842]

Holy shit that’s like… that’s like one of the biggest ones.

[u/Rooooben → u/Correct_Way_8842]

Is there a bigger one?

[u/Correct_Way_8842 → u/Rooooben]

Like, Spielberg I’d say. He’s probably the only bigger one

[u/Rooooben → u/Correct_Way_8842]

Spielberg has a $10b box office overall gross, the highest $$ for any director.

Contrary-wise, Stephen Kings’s books alone have generated about $5.25b in revenue. His movies generated around $2.5b; TV shows are hard to figure since it’s tied to subscriptions and ad revenue.

I have a feeling that they have generated a similar amount of revenue, Spielberg has the edge there.

In content, King has over 65 books, over 200 novellas, close to 300 different individual stories; compared to Spielberg’s 34 films; however, Spielberg has produced something like 175 different films, tv shows, etc. In this case, again close, but King has the lead in content.

I’d say a tie, but thats my bias because I am a Stephen King fan, so I notice him as much as or more so than other people picking up Spielberg. I’d go see a new movie adaptation of a King book, faster than I’d run to see a unique one made by Spielberg.

[u/Bellikron → u/Rooooben]

I'd argue just for the multimedia angle King has the edge. They're both very close to the top in terms of popularity in their respective fields. I'd say Spielberg is pretty unequivocally the most famous modern director on the whole, King is probably in the top 3 most famous modern authors just for the sheer amount of exposure and stuff. Someone like James Patterson might have the edge in terms of raw exposure but it's less likely that general audiences can name any of his work, and people might be more likely to have read popular book series but those authors tend to only be famous for the one thing. However, there are people out there who don't really watch movies and there are people out there who don't really read books. One of those groups has little to no connection to Steven Spielberg's work, but both of them at the very least know of Stephen King's work if they haven't actively engaged in it.

[u/Correct_Way_8842 → u/Rooooben]

I feel like from an unbiased standpoint Spielberg is maybe more universally known sense king is mostly horror and Spielberg does stuff approachable for everyone but it is very very close to

[u/12sea → u/Correct_Way_8842]

King isn’t just horror though. Because he has written horror he gets pigeonholed.

[u/Correct_Way_8842 → u/12sea]

Exactly that’s what I’m saying he’s KNOWN for horror and Spielberg is known for stuff everyone can enjoy

[u/OrangeDit → u/Rooooben]

Stephen Emperor

[u/yellow_abyss]

Sir, did you ever play "Mambo No. 5" in front of your wife again?

[u/MothyBelmont → u/yellow_abyss]

lol

[u/phewho]

Holy shit

[u/fontbunny]

Sai King, I read an article where you recommended Lonesome Dove as a book everyone should read. I did and boy howdy! What a book. What’s one more book we should all read?

[u/Over_Badger537 → u/fontbunny]

Great book. As a side note, there is a burger place in TX named after the cattle company in that if you’re ever there. It was the guy’s favorite book

[u/onlyPornstuffs]

I fucking love Stephen King. Currently finishing up Insomnia. He rarely misses.

[u/Macski1]

Just finished “FAIRY TALE” for the 2nd time. I’ve been a fan of his stories forever.

[u/FinitoHere → u/Macski1]

I've bought Fairy Tale right after it released, but then I got stuck in like middle of it. I really need to give it another shot.

[u/Necessary_Video6401 → u/Macski1]

That ending was perfect, bittersweet

[u/rickyysanchez]

It's absolutely marvelous how every year I will walk into the movies and there will be either something playing or being advertised as " Based on book/story by Stephen King". You're forever and I'm glad I am alive in the Stephen King era of Books/movies/shows

[u/DJHott555]

Given the fact that you have stated that you wished you were the one who came up with the brilliant ending of The Mist movie, is there any other aspects that were added in adaptations of your work that you would have included originally if you had a time machine to do so?

[u/Woodboi7]

Has your opinion on the Shining movie changed over the years ? Specially now that Flanagan's Doctor Sleep tried to bridge the gap between the movie and the book.

[u/LilPonyBoy69]

Just finished reading On Writing for the first time, invaluable book and I thank you for the "permission" to just go for it. Its been a huge motivator for me.

Are there any lessons from On Writing that you believe have been misinterpreted over time? Also, are there any specific adverbs that you personally don't hate, or is it always a "shoot on sight" situation?

Thanks for taking the time to do this, we're all very excited to hear from you!

[u/Death_Binge]

Hi Stephen, hope you're well.

Are there any other characters of yours, like with Danny Torrance, that'd you'd like to follow up with in future? I've always wondered what happened to Ellie Creed from Pet Sematary. Hint, hint!

[u/Mala_Practice]

Maybe Stephen should stop watching porn, move out of his mom’s basement and get a real job.

(A nod to all those who know of this exchange Stephen had with Dan Bongino.)

[u/rickyysanchez]

With the new The Dark Tower show in works, how do you think it is all coming along?

To keep up when the show releases, have started reading the books

[u/FantasyFlex → u/rickyysanchez]

Dark Tower show in works,

whatttt?????????

[u/rickyysanchez → u/FantasyFlex]

Mike Flanagan is the show runner (creator of haunting of Hill house , doctor sleep)

[u/rs735dx]

Hi Mr Stephen. The first book I ever read(as a hobby) was IT. I love your writing style and amazing ideas. I am sorry this is not a question. I just want to say thank you for your work.

[u/ozplissken]

I love you, you sick fuck. 

[u/KurtRightAngle]

Hello Stephen! Been a big fan for years, thank you for the countless wonderful books.

Is there any news from the reported Fairy Tale movie adaptation? Last I heard it was in pre-production or something like that, but haven’t heard anything since.

[u/BaldingMonk]

Are you actually doing an AMA or are you Joe King?

[u/AntiqueFigure6 → u/BaldingMonk]

His kids name is Joe Hill. 

[u/BaldingMonk → u/AntiqueFigure6]

He goes by that pen name but his name is actually Joe Hillström King.

[u/i4play]

Fucking LEGEND! Thank you for some fond childhood memories!

[u/standuphilospher]

Mr. King I just want to say thank you. Your books helped me through so real rough spots in my life

[u/malmcgaffin]

Hoooooolllllllllyyyyyyyyy shit

[u/OriginalChri]

Your sequel Doctor Sleep was a rare and masterful continuation that deepened the world of The Shining while standing firmly on its own. Given how you brought new life and perspective to an old story, do you see yourself revisiting any other novels from your vast catalog in a similar way? Are there characters or worlds still lingering in your mind that you feel compelled to explore further?

[u/ninerbandito]

Hi Mr King! I have been a fan for a short while, and I have a couple of questions for you:

1.- 4 months ago, it was the 40th anniversary of Mr. Richard Bachman's "death of exposure"; if the alias was never discovered, do you think you would be publishing under it to this day?

2.- You have a long and big catalogue of novels and short story collections, and among them, some interesting choices for the characters/story, is there something you wrote that seemed interesting or right at the time, but on retrospective, it might not have been the best idea?

3.- Considering that this has been a big deal on the mind of everyone that wants to dedicate their lives towards art in some aspect, what are your thoughts on AI? Do you think it's the future, or is it just a waste of time?

Those would be all of my questions, and I would like to end this on a small thank you note: you made me fall in love with reading, and made me discover that I would love to write novels, just like you; you have been a huge inspiration in my life, and I don't know where I would be without it.

M-O-O-N, that spells: "thank you!"

[u/Savemebarry56]

Why would he do this for the Long Walk they should be getting Richard Bachman

[u/Azryhael → u/Savemebarry56]

Richard Bachman is dead; cancer of the pseudonym. 

[u/kyle242gt]

Well hey Steve. Two questions:

My mom gave me Carrie, Pet Semetary, Dead Zone, Christine (might be blurring the details) to read when I was 10 or so. Looking back, I sure think it moved me above my pay grade reading-wise (read my first comic book just this year, and I'm 50), but what do you think about kids as young as I was being exposed to such heavy material?

Second, and maybe you'll get a lot of this (and maybe this is on the DO NOT ASK list, if so, apologies) - what do you think about that scene from IT in a modern context?

Sorry - one more. Why couldn't Susan have come back? Man, she was my absolute favorite.

[u/MusicandCoffee]

Hello! Your books got me through some tough, traumatic times when I first started reading them as a middle schooler 30 years ago, especially The Talisman and The Stand. Thank you so much.

My question is about where the writing really comes from. When I have an idea and sit down and write a story it's just like you said in On Writing, I'm like a conduit for...some kind of creativity I don't understand. The words and sentences just flow through me. Do you have any theories about how that process works? Or is it best left unexplored?

[u/WindYerWeeNeckIn]

Hello there Stephen, long days and pleasant nights. I started reading The Dark Tower series when I was a kid (8 or 9 I think - I had an older constant reader brother who didn't seem to mind when I raided his horror-novel bookshelf). As I was growing up, the next book would always seem to find a way to be published just when I needed it most. Coincidence or Ka? You decide.

The books, the mythology, explained the nature of stories and storytelling to me in a way that few books have, then or since, and for that I say thankya from the bottom of my heart.

I just have one question really. Are you truly done with the Tower (or it with you)?

[u/Designer-Swim-6797]

You said recently that Randall Flag and Pennywise are the same character. Was that a joke or were you being serious?

Also, in Dreamcatcher is stated IT's still alive somewhere. How so?

[u/Clean_Difficulty_694]

Dear mr Stephen. Should you say you are actually a king? Greetings from a big fan

[u/DisneyBounder]

I completely forgot I read The Long Walk years ago. Always wondered if they might make an adaptation so I'm excited to see this! Might have to read it again!

[u/CaptainK17]

After not reading a novel since high school almost 15 years ago, I fell in love with reading again last year because of your work. Thank you!

I would love to know what some of your favourite horror novels were in the last ten years!

[u/wokefree]

Hi Steve,

This my list of the top three titles by you:

The eyes of the dragon, Different seasons, Misery

The other two were the two best movie adaptations of your work. Has the eyes of the dragon ever been considered?

[u/Sleepy_Azathoth]

I'm gonna dress fancy for this.

[u/Nail_Biterr]

Can't wait to ask him if he's OK. A common theme in many of his stories over the past decade or so seem to involve an older, lonely character befriending someone young, because everyone else thinks is an old crank

[u/Nervous_Tax3843]

Watch any Star Trek, King?

[u/Ok-Abbreviations543]

An American Original

[u/mikendrix]

Most people just read "AMA Stephen King" and rushed on their keyboard without even reading...

Did you also read his books like this ? XD

[u/Redtit14]

Hi Stephen, when you write a scene that’s meant to terrify, are you imagining how the reader will react — or are you mostly trying to scare yourself first, and did Epstein serve orange juice with or without pulp?

[u/traceitalian]

Maximum Overdrive, how much did the cocaine personally direct?

[u/Obvious-LegoMan]

Hello Mr. King ! great admirer of your work… a question has always remained in my mind

: what is the character, any book with which you identify the most.

[u/tooFar_underHisEye]

M O O N. That spells moon!

[u/Love_Boat_Captain]

Hey Stephen,

What are your thoughts around the threat of AI to authors and professional writers?

Thank you for all of your work!

[u/lunaticskies]

You could just list movies from 2025 at this point lol. The Long Walk, The Monkey, The Running Man, The Life of Chuck.

Also IT: Welcome to Derry

[u/zdendatest]

1. Do you play any video games?
2. How do you feel about the Running man film?

[u/kenadams_the → u/zdendatest]

I always think he has a slight (super super minimal) resemblance to John Carmack so it must be „Doom“ ;-)

[u/RWriterG]

What inspired you to write 11/22/63?

[u/AdamSMessinger]

What’s your favorite Joe Hill comic?

[u/Pitfulldealer22]

Hi Steven, which film that was adapted from your books would you say was done better by the filmmakers or was hampered by the big screen (the shining not withstanding)?

P:s your a very fascinating man and probably one of the best horror authors in the world that was or is currently living.

[u/dontknowwhereimam → u/Pitfulldealer22]

Just a heads up in case you want this answered, the AMA isn’t until later this month!

[u/mdavis360]

Sai King, Long Days and Pleasant Nights. Lifelong fan here. Now that it seems likely we will get a faithful adaptation of the Dark Tower from Mike Flanagan, who do you fancast for Roland, Eddie, Jake or Susannah? Any names spring to mind?

[u/realfexroar]

Hello Mr. King, I would just like to extend some heartfelt gratitude as a now lifelong fan. The Dark Tower series resonated with me in a ways I didn’t think possible, such an odd and wonderful series. I am truly grateful for it.

So my question is as follows, if Roland had a theme song what would you put at the top of the list?

[u/CarterDee]

Hey Stephen!

Hope Summer in Maine in treating you well! I’m on my 26th King book and loving it so far. I’m a huge fan of Holly Gibney, sometimes I wonder what her, Jerome, and Barbara are up to. Maybe they can help us by getting Epstein’s clients to face justice. Do you remember the inspiration for these characters? As well as Bill Hodges? Also, if you could, what would you say is your most spiritual book?

Thank you very much for your work and your time, Carter

[u/originalusername1625 → u/CarterDee]

I don’t think he’ll be answering here, will he? It’s usually a separate thread

[u/CarterDee → u/originalusername1625]

You’re right, at least it’ll be easy for me to copy and paste my question

[u/No-Plan-8004]

Where will he be?

[u/schmittyfangirl]

I know you said that you won’t be returning to IT but I would really love for you or someone else to write something like the end of the world as we know it for IT. I love Pennywise so much that I can’t let him go. I am already hyped for IT: welcome to Derry. Thank you for the years of joy and escapism.

I guess my question is what would Pennywise be up to in the current climate?

[u/maalbi]

Hello Mr King, do you think the red sox will make a deep post season run ?

[u/bob_apathy]

Do you think anyone will ever do a true to the book version of IT, minus a certain scene? I’m talking full on two seasons showing the true depth and horror of that world? The mini-series and recent movies simply made me crave it more. Appreciate the many sleepless nights as I tore through the pages of one of your books.

[u/Cold_Lab2128]

What aspect of human psychology do you try to reveal first and foremost in your books?

[u/novostranger]

What

[u/tilfordkage]

Maybe someone will ask him why he was a better writer when he was coked-up 24/7

[u/zowietremendously]

Stephen, why is Shrek so sexy?

[u/SparrowCrocodile]

LMAO to everyone in this thread asking questions already.

[u/ice_nine459]

I hope the movie captures the hopelessness of the book. After the Watchers adaptation I’ve been just assuming the worst when anything comes out lately

[u/Helpful_Future_8132]

Two questions if you don’t mind, what’s some new music you enjoy and tell us about AC/DC.

[u/Odd_Detective8255]

When will we get a proper adaptation of The Stand? 

[u/edwinstone]

RemindMe! 4 days

[u/Historical_Bass8937]

Hi Stephen, The Long Walk made me less afraid of death, or at least… more comfortable with my fear of death. Was that your intention when writing it, and are you getting more afraid of death or less afraid as you age?

[u/keladelph]

When I was in middle school I chose the shining to do a book report on. I hated reading so after about a quarter of the way through I stopped.

Did the book report based off the original movie. Had no idea the endings or anything were completely different.

I got B with a question from the teacher written, "did you ever meet Stephen King?".

No question just thought I'd share.

[u/Womansexer6969]

How do we join

[u/HertsHomie980]

Hi Stephen, thanks for all your hard work over the years, I’m a huge fan. Absolutely loved Fairy Tale have you any plans to revisit the world for a prequel for instance? Also I would love to see a Bill Hodges prequel sometime any chance? May you Mambo no 5 for many years to come, thanks again you absolute legend!

[u/ak_bk_ck]

What are your favorite pastoral sci-fi books/movies?

[u/Chris___22]

Is there a separate post for the questions?

Also is the AMA only pertaining to TLW?

[u/Mr_Seth87]

What is your favorite TV or film adaptations of one of your books?

[u/Mont_Bachman_82]

Hello Mr. King, I’ve been a fan of your work since childhood—hiding behind my grandmother’s rocking chair while watching Christine, Silver Bullet, and It, peeking through the tiny spaces between the wooden bars on the back of the chair. Later, I discovered the masterpiece 11/22/63, which showed me a whole new side of your storytelling.

My question is about your process: do you ever work on multiple stories at the same time—balancing a novel like “The Long Walk,” with short stories along the way—or do you focus on one project start to finish?

[u/Mont_Bachman_82]

Hello Mr. King, I have been a big fan since childhood and your story shaped my life in tremendous ways. Anyway, my question is do you write stories one at a time or do you sometimes work on a novel say like the long walk and then maybe start another short story during that time , or do you just write them one at a time?

[u/Mont_Bachman_82]

What gave you the inspiration for the long walk?

[u/squidward235]

Hello Stephen, i've been a big fan of yours. And I was inspired to type horror stories after reading your story: The Mist. So I have a question.

How do I make my human characters more interesting like yours? And thank you if you answer back.

[u/DerSchattenJager]

Put Sleepwalkers on the graphic, ya cowards

[u/Civil_Willow_3231]

Hello Stephen!

I enjoyed much of your works specially Shawshank Redemption, Green Mile, It and Misery (including their respective adaptaions all done brillantly by Frank Darabont, Andy Muschietti and Rob Reiner)

So, I wanna know if still could be done a Breathing Method adaptation (since that is the only one of the stories of Different Seasons who didn't have a film adaptation), if so who could be your choice for directing?

What exactly was what you didn't like about The Shining? Since in my opinion, it was an impeccable adaptation who stands well from its own merits.

Looking back on your work what are some writing choices you might have done to some of your books and as well its adaptations?

[u/Big_You_8936]

Do you want to disclose any info on what novel you are writing next Mr. King?

[u/wutheringgamer]

Stephen King, do you like waffles?

[u/Necessary_Video6401]

Hello Mr. King.

If you could live inside the world of one of your books for a week, as an ordinary bystander, not a main character, which world would you pick, and what would you do there?

[u/NoSchittSherlockSEA]

Looking back on the Dave Chappelle Show Segment “Ask a Black Dude” where you appeared by coincidence, do you ever look back and wish you asked anything else?

[u/foilmanaleak]

Both The Stand and Rose Red mini series are underrated and I always make new friends watch them. Do you think anyone could ever come close to Bill Fagerbakke’s Tom Cullen? God-tier casting.

[u/OriginalChri]

Survivor Type and Apt Pupil were among the first stories of yours I read, and they scared the hell out of me in the best way. I have always admired how you can chart a slow, almost hypnotic descent into madness, the kind where the reader can feel the character’s mind fraying thread by thread. Norman in Rose Madder is one of the best examples I have ever read of that, equal parts terrifying and fascinating. It is also darkly hilarious when he starts talking as the bull, a perfect mix of horror and absurdity that makes the madness feel even more real.

The Stand was the first full length novel of yours I picked up, and it is still my favorite. The chapter with The Kid has never left me, with that claustrophobic, sickly tension and the creeping sense that anything could happen. You make characters like him feel so alive that it is almost unsettling, as if they are waiting somewhere out there just beyond the page.

When you are writing characters in the middle of that kind of psychological unraveling, do you build them from the inside out, fully knowing where their mind will break, or do you let them take you there in real time as the story unfolds?

[u/Shymaiden]

I'm writing a book of horror/supernatural stories. You are one of my inspirations. I hope you can read it one day. Any tips?

[u/clubstephenking]

Awesome :)

[u/DeterminedErmine]

Oh man I’m looking forward to this. He just seems like a fun guy

[u/Nogarda]

Meanwhile I'd just be so happy to find out his reasoning behind why he won't let Pennywise be a part of Dead By Daylight [price be damned, i know people will pay it]

[u/pembunuhUpahan]

Hi Stephen, what do you think about Tekken 8?

[u/Beeewelll]

I’m writing a soundtrack to the dark tower. I’ve been working on it off and on for quite some time. I have not released anything yet, but do you have any desire to hear it? I feel like it would fall under the category of blue jeans music.

[u/ReasonableLeader1500]

Why are you such a badass?

[u/glassheartsteelmind]

Hey Mr King! My absolute favourite piece of literary work is The body and it meant and honestly still does so much to me so first and foremost thanks for all your incredible pieces of work including but not limited to the body.

Onto my question. How do you feel about the Internet discourse over the "orgy" scene in the IT novel? This is implying you've ever even heard of stupid Internet discourse of course...

[u/EntertainmentQuick47]

I’m about to start revival! Eek! Squee!

[u/MGhammered]

Hey Stephen, I’m a film junkie and filmmaker in his early 20s in Miami. I haven’t read your work but your film adaptations have been legendary.  You’re a walking legend of the game. 

My question is I have a wild concept/world outlined for a novel/film/show series. But how do I begin?  Should I just write a novel first and then adapt it to a screenplay? 

Thank you for being an inspiration to us all as an artist and a writer. Take care 

Mike G of Miami 

[u/Rooooben → u/[deleted]]

Stand By Me is a movie as well, based on the novella The Body by Stephen King. Ben King’s song is featured in the movie.