Stephen King needs no introduction. However, some of his films sure do. Although his books have been monstrous successes, there have been many movie adaptations that have not fared quite so well. But it appears that is starting to change. King’s work has been experiencing a cinematic renaissance as of late.

Horror has taken on a new life, and many new studios and directors are starting to remember just how great King’s universe actually is. He has spent over forty years putting things together and is now allowing these new creators to take over. But is this new trend leading to a combined universe?

First, a Look Back
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Stephen King has mastered the art of getting people’s attention. His first novel, Carrie, was not only a huge success but was made into a highly successful film in 1976. His novel The Shining is even more famous for its adaptation into the Stanley Kubrick film from 1980. These are two enormous successes that mark just a fraction of the Stephen King film oeuvre, many of which are unrepentantly unwatchable.

Many of these were made in the 1980s and 1990s and often had lower budgets and used what, in retrospect, were inferior techniques. These include, but are not limited to, Christine (1983), Cujo (1983), Graveyard Shift (1990), The Lawnmower Man (1992), and Needful Things (1993). Some may dispute this list due to fond memories, but these do not require a second watch. However, they are all based on incredible stories. The one thing holding these together is their source material. When they stray from it or are unable to find the proper realism or time, the movies suffer.

Related: Every Stephen King Movie Sequel, Ranked

It should be noted that along with Carrie and The Shining (an adaptation which King hated but put more eyes on his work), the ’80s and ’90s brought some high-profile films as well: Firestarter (1984), Stand By Me (1986), Misery (1990), and The Shawshank Redemption (1994) always deserve a second look. These are great films featuring actors at the top of their game working on actual budgets with more-than-serviceable scripts.

So, the quality of King’s work must not be compromised. That being said, is it possible for the films to exist in the same universe, and will upcoming features commit to the sheer magnitude of what King himself has created?

With the Right Directors
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There are two directors who have been doing right by the author while making their films. The first is Frank Darabont, one of King’s most ardent supporters and a director whose adaptations King has praised. He is the mind behind The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and The Mist. These three films are considered pinnacles of the cinematic universe, although they do not overtly refer to one another.

The second director that has emerged more recently is Mike Flanagan. Flanagan is a horror aficionado and has taken to King’s work differently than Darabont. Where Darabont has focused on the longer, more intimate stories, Flanagan has gone straight horror. His adaptations include Gerald’s Game (2017), Doctor Sleep (2019), and the just-announced Life of Chuck (TBD). He is far more interested in the mind game aspect of the King stories and continuing the traditions of previous films.

What It All Means
Warner Bros. Pictures

There are currently no less than twenty projects (TV and Movie) based on King’s work currently in some form of production. However, they are all being created by more than ten different studios and companies. This does not bode well for a specifically combined universe. However, it does mean that some interesting projects are being worked on by people who have been genuine King fans their entire lives.

When they make these films and TV shows, there are invariably Easter eggs. This could be in the form of throwaway lines, cameos, etc., and may tie together with an invisible string that all ties into one larger universe. King’s vision includes fictional people, towns, businesses, and creatures that all have mentions and Easter eggs throughout his books. Directors may even speak with each other regarding their individual projects.

The goal for all Stephen King fans is to see the ultimate portrayal of this universe. The pinnacle of King’s work. They want to see The Dark Tower. But let’s be clear: they do not want to see The Dark Tower from 2017 (a movie of which true fans do not speak). What they want is a sweeping epic. They want something that will be a Game of Thrones-style television show or series of films that takes its time and includes everything. The Dark Tower is something to be held delicately in the hands of a capable and knowledgeable director.

Related: Stephen King Supports Mike Flanagan Rebooting the Dark Tower

The good news is that as of 2022, one director has acquired the rights to this property. A director who King has said is one of two capable directors to work on the crux of his life’s work. That director is Mike Flanagan. And here’s the thing. No matter what form Flanagan decides to utilize, TV or movie, he will be at the helm of a huge ship.

The Dark Tower series literally encompasses every single work of Stephen King, referencing them all in one way or another over the course of nine very long and dense novels. But Flanagan may be able to pull off the impossible task. He may also be able to deal with other directors and studios to acquire certain rights and allow his characters to dip into these already-created universes. If so, this will bring together everything we have talked about and more. If anyone can do it, Flanagan can.