Apple has unveiled first look photos for Lisey's Story, an upcoming eight-episode adaptation of Stephen King's 2006 novel of same the name from director Pablo Larraín (Jackie) and producer J.J. Abrams. The limited series stars Julianne Moore as the titular Lisey, a character based on King's own wife, novelist Tabitha King. Though King's works are frequently adapted to the screen by other screenwriters, King personally wrote all eight episodes of the show. The series also stars Clive Owen, Joan Allen, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Lisey's Story is being described by Apple as a "deeply personal" and "pensive thriller." The series will follow Lisey Landon two years after the death of her husband, a world-famous author named Scott Landon (Owen). When Lisey finally decides to go through his belongings, a series of unsettling events causes her to confront memories of her deceased husband that she was previously suppressing. Jason Leigh will play one of Lisey's sisters, Darla, while Allen will play another sister, Amanda.
Now, the first official photos for Lisey's Story can be seen courtesy of Vanity Fair. King also spoke to the publication, revealing some inspiration behind the novel which he calls a "very, dark and twisted adult fairy tale.” Not only is the story inspired by King's marriage, but his near-death experience with pneumonia and unhinged stalkers that he and his wife have had to deal with. Check out the first official photos for Lisey's Story below:
In what appears to be a blend of stalker thriller and supernatural mystery, Lisey's Story seems far from a traditional love story, which is to be expected from King. But since this is a deeply personal project for King inspired by his own 50-year marriage, expect Lisey's Story to be a heartfelt love story as well. According to King, the story is specifically about "long marriage, celebrity, and the side of lives that are public and the sides of lives that are private—and the door between those two worlds.”
Over the years, adaptations of King's novels and short stories have certainly been hit or miss with Stand By Me, Misery, The Shining, and The Shawshank Redemption becoming cinema classics and others like The Night Flier, Cell, and The Dark Tower falling into the realm of mediocrity. However, with King penning all eight scripts for the show himself, it is likely that Lisey's Story falls closer into the former category. The first two episodes of Lisey's Story premiere June 4th on Apple TV+.
Source: Vanity Fair