Stephen King’s Van Scene: A Must-Have in Mike Flanagan’s Dark Tower Series

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Summary

  • Key details about Mike Flanagan’s work on a “Carrie” TV adaptation and “The Dark Tower” series for Amazon Prime Video.
  • One key scene from “The Dark Tower VII” involving Stephen King’s potential cameo that fans believe should be included.
  • Stephen King’s thoughts on adapting “The Dark Tower” for TV, challenges faced in creating a movie adaptation, and plans for a TV show reboot.

Mike Flanagan is currently developing a TV adaptation of ‘Carrie’ for Amazon Prime Video, where he plans to portray a teenager who doesn’t quite fit in and possesses telekinetic abilities. Following this project, he intends to bring Stephen King’s epic series ‘The Dark Tower’ to the small screen. Excitement among fans is running high for the upcoming series, as they expect it to surpass the 2017 film featuring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey.

When considering the Dark Tower TV series adaptation, there are numerous aspects to ponder over, such as the crucial battle for season 1 and the overall length of the show. One specific scene, in my opinion, is indispensable; if omitted, the whole experience might seem incomplete as an adaptation.

I Think The Stephen King Van Scene Needs To Be In Mike Flanagan’s Dark Tower Series

In The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower, Jake Chambers and Roland Deschain notice a vehicle heading towards Stephen King. If it struck him, it would be disastrous. Tragically, Jake sacrifices himself by stepping in front of the van and taking the impact, thus ensuring King’s survival. This pivotal moment is filled with gloom, heartbreak, and an eerie sense of loss.

Apart from being curious about who will star in the show, I strongly feel that this particular scene should be included in Mike Flanagan’s Dark Tower adaptation for maximum impact. It mirrors a true-life incident experienced by Stephen King, as he was hit by a van in Maine in 1999. As reported by NPR, the driver, Bryan Smith, had previous charges of reckless driving and speeding, and tragically passed away almost a year later. King shared with NPR that Smith resembled a character from one of his Stephen King novels, stating, “He was like a character in a Stephen King book, but only because he seemed like a real Maine type to me.” This event left a deep impression on the author, who sustained a head injury, a broken hip, ribs, and leg bones. (ABC News)

Given the significant and pivotal role that this accident played in King’s life, it seems crucial for its inclusion in the show. Flanagan has mentioned the extensive length of the book series, delaying its adaptation, but I can’t imagine this scene being left out. As it occurs in the eighth and concluding book, it may be reserved for the final season, whenever that arrives. However, I believe it could prove poignant and captivating. Admittedly, the scene would only be effective if King consents to a cameo, given his past appearances in adaptations of his works. Yet, considering this, I’m confident he would consider the opportunity. Furthermore, there’s potential for this scene to be hinted at earlier, allowing fans a glimpse before the final season.

While certain admirers appreciated the King cameo and felt it enhanced the series, others confessed they initially disliked it upon reading the book. However, as time went by and they had more time to reflect, they grew accustomed to it. Redditor @Weardo7 voiced their opinion on this matter.

Initially, I must admit, my reaction was somewhat skeptical, though I was much younger back then. However, over time, I have grown to genuinely cherish it. In fact, I can’t conceive of the series without that specific aspect anymore. I am particularly fascinated by the idea of an author immersing themselves in and interacting with the world they are crafting, as they create it.

Reddit user brandydaynow felt it was somewhat self-centered yet ultimately effective. They believe that the scene served as a means for King to process his own experiences.

What Did Stephen King Say About The Dark Tower Adaptations?

Because The Dark Tower is among Stephen King’s most renowned and captivating works, as well as one of his most creative and intriguing, he has often spoken about it during his professional career. In an interview with Vulture in 2017, he mentioned the challenges he faced when trying to turn it into a movie, stating:

One significant hurdle we faced was adapting a lengthy series of books, spanning approximately 3,000 pages, into a film. Additionally, the choice to create a PG-13 movie version from books that contain intense and graphic depictions of violence posed another challenge – one that needed to be skillfully addressed.

In the same interview, King also spoke of an upcoming television show, referring to it as a “fresh start.” Although a Dark Tower film was released in 2020, it didn’t generate much excitement. Now, enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating more updates regarding Mike Flanagan’s TV series, such as who will take on the lead roles. However, there is no confirmed release date, and we’ll have to wait and see if the series alters the ending or sticks closely to the books.

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2025-07-05 18:06