Netflix to adapt Stephen King's 'Cujo' into new feature film

Netflix has secured the rights to adapt Stephen King's bestselling 1981 novel Cujo into a new feature film.

Roy Lee will serve as producer, and the search for writers will begin immediately. The novel, which was previously adapted into a 1983 thriller, tells the story of a mother, played by Dee Wallace, who must protect her son from a once-friendly 200-pound St. Bernard. After being bitten by a rabid bat, the dog becomes vicious, trapping the mother and son inside their car, which is unable to start. Faced with the choice of battling the ferocious dog or risking heatstroke, the mother and son must fight for survival.

The 1983 film was part of a series of successful adaptations of King’s thrillers. King's work continues to inspire numerous film and television projects. The prolific author is currently working on several upcoming projects, including Never Flinch, the third installment of The Talisman, and a series adaptation of Carrie, directed by Mike Flanagan. Additionally, King's backlist remains a goldmine for adaptations, with films like The Monkey and The Long Walk in the pipeline. Other notable upcoming projects include The Running Man, Welcome to Derry (an It prequel), and The Institute.

With Netflix tapping into King’s storied legacy of suspense and horror, the new Cujo adaptation will join a growing list of his works being reimagined for modern audiences.

King is represented by Rand Holston Management and Gang Tyre.