{TB EXCLUSIVE} STEPHEN KING’S UPCOMING “MR. MERCEDES” GOES TO MRC & TEMPLE HILL IN PREEMPTIVE DEAL

by: Madison Barnes

I have exclusive confirmation that Temple Hill and Media Rights Capital just bought the rights to the upcoming Stephen King novel, MR. MERCEDES. This preemptive deal by Hollywood heavyweights Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey shows that everything written by King can be made into a movie, even before the publication date!

King’s work is known for its stunning translation onto the silver screen, providing Hollywood with chilling imagery and horrifically genius plot machinations. This new story will be no exception as we follow Bill Hodges, a retired detective, who gets pulled out of retirement by a killer who uses the wheels of his Mercedes to end the lives of random individuals. As the killer threatens to up the ante with his evil schemes, Bill must pull himself out of a depressed and solitary life to prevent any more heinous crimes. If you’ve never looked at a Mercedes Benz and felt the the imposing chill of death… you soon will!

Jack Bender is currently attached to direct, and is best known for his extensive directing credits on TV shows like “Lost,” “Alias,” “Under the Dome” and “The Sopranos.”  Bowen and Godfrey’s blockbuster credits include the “Twilight” series and “Safe Haven,” with Godrey’s experience expanding out to “A Good Day to Die Hard,” “I, Robot,” and “Behind Enemy Lines,” among others. Modie Wiczyk and Brye Adler also add their clout to the project, executive producing for Media Rights Capitol, which is about to release “22 Jump Street” and recently released “Elysium,” “Ted,” and “The Adjustment Bureau.”

The producers are currently meeting with writers as they aggressively continue development on King’s story. Were it any other writer, I would say the reception of the book may be a hinderance for development, but who are we kidding? King’s fascinating horror stories have kept readers and audiences enthralled for decades, starting all the way back with “Carrie” and “The Shining,” in the late ’70s/early ’80s. You probably don’t even realize how many other movies and television series have been based on his extensive writings, including “The Shawshank Redemption,” “The Green Mile,” “Hearts in Atlantis,” “Stand by Me,” and even “Secret Window” (to name a few). He also has over 20 films currently in development, including “The Dark Tower,” “The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon,” “Doctor Sleep,” and remakes of “Children of the Corn,” “Firestarter,” and “It.”

Stay glued to the Tracking Board for more updates on the project, as we’ll do our best to update you as soon as we get any new developments, and just remember where you heard the news first!

– CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE PROJECT DETAILS –