Mike Flanagan will direct Stephen King’s The Shining sequel Doctor Sleep

After helming Gerald’s Game for Netflix, Mike Flanagan will be returning to Stephen King’s scary universe to direct the sequel to The Shining, Doctor Sleep.

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In his long literary career, Stephen King has written 56 novels and nearly 200 short stories. As he has covered a wide array of stories, Hollywood has often tried to adapt them, which has resulted in both disastrous and riveting films. Considering how 21st century cinema is witnessing another King resurgence, it was only a matter of time until the Torrances made an appearance. Thankfully, they’ll be returning under the guidance of Mike Flanagan.

King’s novels have always been independently adapted and followed up with sequels. However, as cinematic universes are the new trend, the latest series of movies and shows are being made with an intention to be interconnected. That’s why when the photo of the Overlook hotel showed up in The Dark Tower, it was obvious that the events of The Shining will come into play in one way or the other. And according to Deadline, it’ll be through Doctor Sleep, directed by Mike Flanagan.

"“After the out-sized grosses on the Stephen King novel adaptation It, Warner Bros has put its sequel to King’s The Shining on the fast track. Mike Flanagan has been set to direct Doctor Sleep, an adaptation of the 2013 King novel that picks up the life of the Redrum kid Danny Torrance when he is in his 40s and struggling with the same demons of anger and alcoholism that plagued his father.”“Flanagan will rewrite the script originally adapted by Akiva Goldsman. Flanagan’s producing partner Trevor Macy will produce along with Vertigo Entertainment’s Jon Berg, and Goldsman is executive producer.”"

King’s The Shining has been adapted as a movie by Stanley Kubrick and as a three-part miniseries by Mick Garris. And although Garris’ attempt was closer to King’s novel, Kubrick’s sheer directorial brilliance and spine-chilling performances by Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, certainly makes it the better adaptation. Additionally, as Kubrick’s work is considered to be one of the best horror films of all time, remaking it would’ve drawn unnecessary comparisons. So, it’s a smart move by the studios to adapt its lesser known sequel for the first time and combine it with Flanagan’s immense expertise in horror movies.

Why is Mike Flanagan the perfect choice to direct Doctor Sleep?

Doctor Sleep is a sequel to The Shining that takes place almost 30 years after the horrific event that took place at the Overlook hotel. The novel follows Danny Torrance, who has become a spitting image of his father, as he suffers from anger issues and severe alcoholism. However, he eventually gives up drinking, thereby reviving his “shine” (the term used to define psychic powers in King’s universe), and uses his powers to aid the dying. Following that, Danny meets up with a young girl with similar abilities, who he helps to defeat a group of quasi-immortals called The Knot.

One of the most defining aspects of Kubrick’s The Shining was that his approach walked a fine line between supernatural and psychological fear. And even though the auteur veered away from King’s novel, the realistic mystery woven by Kubrick had a more lasting impact. While adapting King’s Gerald’s Game, as Flanagan has shown his ability to seamlessly shift between reality and hallucinations, it’s probable that he’ll be taking Kubrick’s tried-and-tested method, despite the heavy dose of the metaphysical in Doctor Sleep. Although Kubrick’s style didn’t sit well with King, Flanagan’s fan-like interest to adapt Doctor Sleep might reflect in his film and thereby appease the author and his fan-base.

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Horror is definitely a tricky genre as it requires character development to invest the audience into the story, while simultaneously generating scares. While most directors end up doing either one of those, Flanagan has achieved to do all of them throughout his filmography. With Oculus and Gerald’s Game, as Flanagan has shown us that he has the ability to create empathetic characters, fans of the novel can be sure that he’ll do the same while re-introducing Danny. Furthermore, since he has showcased his flair for produce nail-biting tension in Hush, there’s no doubt Flanagan will make Doctor Sleep an atmospheric ride.

Do you think Jack Nicholson will make a cameo in Doctor Sleep? Let me know in the comments.