A first-look image from the Apple TV+ adaptation of the Stephen King novel Lisey's Story was released Friday at TCA. Adapted by King himself, the eight-episode limited series will reportedly premiere this summer. Produced by J.J. Abrams, the series stars Oscar winner Julianne Moore as Lisey and costars Oscar nominees Clive Owen, Joan Allen, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Lisey's Story is about a woman named Lisey, whose husband was a famous novelist before his death two years earlier. While going through her late husband's belongings, she must deal with repressed memories of their relationship. She also finds herself in danger from a deranged madman.
Apple TV+ released a first-look image of the series Friday at TCA (via Deadline). In the image, the figure of someone who appears to be a woman, likely Moore, is standing in the wilderness at night looking at a flashlight in the distance. Check out the image below.
Apple TV+ has many prestige original series in the works, including a miniseries about WeWork starring Anne Hathaway and Jared Leto as well as second seasons of the award-nominated Ted Lasso and The Morning Show. A limited series from an acclaimed writer, starring four acting heavyweights, fits right in with Apple's roster of projects. And prestige series like Lisey's Story should also increase Apple TV+'s subscriber base, after it was recently revealed that only 38 percent of users are actually paying for the service.
Adaptations of King novels and short stories can be hit or miss; there are certainly some classics like Stand By Me, Misery, Carrie and The Shining, but there are also stinkers like Riding the Bullet, The Night Flier, and Cell. And Abrams' involvement could signal there might be issues, as well. Reportedly he's not directing or writing Lisey's Story, just producing, so that could be good news. But many dislike his take on the Star Trek movies, and the Star Wars sequel trilogy has also been a lightning rod for criticism. But the all-star cast of Lisey's Story is phenomenal. Moore, Owens, Allen, and Leigh are all renowned actors, so the performances should be first-rate, regardless of the quality of the material they're given. Hopefully, King's writing and the solid cast make up for any other potential bad mojo.
Source: Deadline