Salem's LotCast Reveal Their Favorite Stephen King Books Ahead of Long-Awaited Movie Adaptation (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Lewis Pullman (L) and Makenzie Leigh inSalem’s Lot(2024), with the cover of Stephen King’s 1975 novel.Photo:Courtesy of New Line Cinema/Max (2)

Courtesy of New Line Cinema/Max (2)

The cast ofSalem’s Lothave a healthy (nay, bloodthirsty) appreciation forStephen King’s works.

Based on the prolific horror author’s 1975 book of the same name — which marked his sophomore novel after 1974’sCarrie—Salem’s Lotis streaming on Max this Thursday, Oct. 3, and is the first time the book has ever been adaptation into a full-length feature.

Speaking with PEOPLE, the cast of the film — includingLewis Pullman,Makenzie LeighandSpencer Treat Clark— shared their favorite picks among King’s expansive body of work.

WhileThe Running Man(1982) gets the vote from Pullman, 31, Leigh, 34, goes in a different direction, selecting the first book in King’s genre-spanningDark Towerseries: 1982’sThe Gunslinger.

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Covers of Stephen King’s 1982 booksThe Dark Tower: The Gunslinger(L) andThe Running Man.

“Salem’s Lot, without a doubt,” says the actor, 37, when asked which King novel he likes most of those he has read. “Obviously, I have this personal connection to it, and it’s one of Stephen King’s first novels and one of his favorites, and it’s one of my favorites as well.”

Iconic horror filmmakerJames Wan, who serves as a producer onSalem’s Lot, tells PEOPLE it’s “too hard to pick” a favorite story from King, but the author’s “fantastic” 1980 novellaThe Mistis up there.

“It’s basically Stephen King trying to do his version of H. P. Lovecraft, and kind of cool to see King doing his version of that with his own reptilian tentacle monsters that live in this mist that blows in,” says Wan, 47, also praisingFrank Darabont’s 2007 “great” film adaptation.

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Poster forSalem’s Lot(2024).Courtesy of Max

Courtesy of Max

It also stars Leigh as Susan Norton and Clark as Mike Ryerson, plusAlfre Woodardas Dr. Cody,Bill Campas Matthew Burke,Pilou Asbækas Straker,John Benjamin Hickeyas Father Callahan and Jordan Preston Carter as Mark Petrie.

“There’s been a fewSalem’s Lotminiseries, but there’s never been an adaptation on a feature level,” says Wan, who produced alongside Michael Clear, Roy Lee and Mark Wolper. “So we thought it would be cool to partner with Gary and then partner with Stephen King to bring that to life.”

“And I think it’s incredible — one of Stephen’s best,” Wan tells PEOPLE of the book itself. “So we definitely felt fortunate that we were able to play with it.”

Salem’s Lot, from New Line Cinema, is streaming Thursday, Oct. 3, onMax.

source: people.com