During its presentation at the Television Critics Association's winter press tour today, CBS All Access gave a series order to a limited series adaptation of Stephen King's novel The Stand. The order is for a 10-episode season, which will debut on the streaming service in 2020.
Set after the world is decimated by plague and embroiled in an elemental struggle between good and evil, the fate of mankind rests on the frail shoulders of the 108-year-old Mother Abagail and a handful of survivors. Their worst nightmares are embodied in a man with a lethal smile and unspeakable powers: Randall Flagg, the Dark Man.
Josh Boone (The New Mutants) and Benjamin Cavell (SEAL Team) developed the series, with Boone also set to direct. They will executive produce with Roy Lee, Jimmy Miller and Richard P. Rubinstein. Will Weiske and Miri Yoon will serve as co-executive producers, while Owen King will be a producer. CBS Television Studios and Vertigo Entertainment will produce.
"I'm excited and so very pleased that The Stand is going to have a new life on this exciting new platform," said Stephen King. "The people involved are men and women who know exactly what they're doing; the scripts are dynamite. The result bids to be something memorable and thrilling. I believe it will take viewers away to a world they hope will never happen."
"I read The Stand under my bed when I was 12, and my Baptist parents burned it in our fireplace upon discovery," added Boone. "Incensed, I stole my dad's FedEx account number and mailed King a letter professing my love for his work. Several weeks later, I came home to find a box had arrived from Maine, and inside were several books, each inscribed with a beautiful note from god himself, who encouraged me in my writing and thanked me for being a fan. My parents, genuinely moved by King's kindness and generosity, lifted the ban on his books that very day. I wrote King a cameo as himself in my first film and have been working to bring The Stand to the screen for five years. I've found incredible partners in CBS All Access and Ben Cavell. Together with Stephen King, Owen King, my longtime producing partners Knate Lee and Jill Killington, we plan to bring you the ultimate version of King's masterwork."
"With over 400 million books sold around the world, Stephen King is one of our greatest living authors and The Stand is widely considered the crown jewel of his work. Millions of fans have been waiting for a modern interpretation that delivers on its depth, scope and ambition," said Julie McNamara, Executive Vice President of Originals, CBS All Access. "We are thrilled to be working with Stephen, Josh, Ben and a dedicated team working passionately to bring this brilliant material to life."
