Greg Kinnear joins the cast of The Stand, CBS All Access’ limited series adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. King’s apocalyptic novel received the adaptation treatment in 1994 with a miniseries of the same name, which aired on ABC. Early in January, CBS’s streaming service announced it had ordered a 10-episode limited series based on the horror novel.
Set in a tumultuous time after a strain of influenza has wiped out over 99% of the world’s population, The Stand depicts the lives of the remaining survivors and the ultimate conflict between good and evil. King’s vision opens up a world where the fate of mankind depends on the 108-year-old Mother Abagail and a handful of survivors. Ultimate bad guy, Randall Flagg, presents a slew of fresh nightmares as he totes unspeakable powers. Along with its compelling premise, The Stand has garnered massive interest for the impressive list of pedigree talent attached. Whoopi Goldberg has been tapped to play Mother Abagail, and Big Little Lies star Alexander Skarsgard will portray Randall. Now, Kinnear rounds out the cast list which includes, Heather Graham, Amber Heard, James Marsden, Odessa Young, Jovan Adepo, Owen Teague, Henry Zaga, and Katherine McNamara.
As reported to ComicBook, Kinnear will play Glen Bateman. Widowed as a result of the plague, Glen is a professor who has conformed to life in solitude. After encountering other survivors, Glen’s curiosity is stirred by Mother Abigail's visions. One of the most prolific actors of his time, Kinnear’s Emmy-winning career has spanned three decades, with roles in House of Cards, As Good as It Gets, and The Kennedys.
The Stand will be helmed by Josh Boone (Stuck In Love) and writer Ben Cavell. Fans familiar with King’s work remain in the dark, as the author declared he wrote a separate epilogue for the new adaptation. Fresh off the success of IT: Chapter Two and In The Tall Grass, King’s novels getting the adaptation treatment shows no signs of slowing down. Doctor Sleep hits theaters next month and production is underway on The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, among others.
Kinnear continues to make his mark on Hollywood as the Oscar-nominated actor recently wrapped production on numerous projects, including Lisa Kudrow’s Good People, and Misbehavior opposite Keira Knightley. Given Kinnear’s ability to inhabit his roles and the surroundings of his character, he’s the perfect choice to contribute to King’s apocalyptic vision in The Stand. No doubt the newest adaptation of The Stand will be a massive success for CBS All Access.
Source: ComicBook