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Stephen King, the renowned author, has a reputation for his prolific writing. His works have not only been produced at an impressive rate, but his name is also synonymous with the literary world. This reputation is largely due to the numerous adaptations of his novels and short stories into films and television series. Despite these numerous adaptations, there’s one particular book that King wrote that he thinks would make an excellent film, but it has yet to be realized.
In 2022, during a conversation with Netflix’s Tudum, King was asked about any of his books that hadn’t yet been adapted for the screen that he felt would be a good fit. His response was “Rose Madder,” a novel he wrote in 1995. King expressed his belief that it would have made a great movie.
“I don’t think anyone ever optioned Rose Madder, which I thought would’ve made a great movie,” King said.
King’s statement is partially correct. Although “Rose Madder” hasn’t made it to the big screen, an adaptation was announced in 2011 by Palomar Pictures and Grosvenor Park, with Gary McKendry slated to direct. However, the project never materialized, and it remains unclear whether the rights to the adaptation are still held by the original team or have reverted to King.
Regardless, this story is still awaiting the right director to bring it to life. For those unfamiliar with the plot, the novel follows the story of Rosie Daniels, who escapes from her abusive husband, Norman, after 14 years of marriage. After a violent incident that resulted in the miscarriage of their only child, Rosie flees to a distant city, where she begins a new life and forms new relationships. Norman, a cruel police officer, uses his professional connections to track down his estranged wife.
The Challenges of Adapting Rose Madder for the Big Screen
Hodder & Stoughton
The synopsis alone reveals why “Rose Madder” hasn’t been adapted yet. The book delves into difficult subjects such as domestic abuse and miscarriage. While King is no stranger to challenging material, this story requires a delicate touch to adapt. Furthermore, it’s not one of King’s most well-known works. Unlike “It” or “The Shining,” which are immediately recognizable, “Rose Madder” is less so.
“Rose Madder” is not the only King novel that hasn’t been turned into a film or TV series. King estimates that approximately 25% of his works have not been optioned for an adaptation. Some, like his 1977 novel “Rage,” will never see the screen. However, many others are just waiting for their turn in Hollywood. King explains that obtaining the rights to a story doesn’t guarantee its production.
“There’s a big difference between options and actually getting a movie made. You plant the seeds and someone comes along and says, ‘I’ll buy this seed from you,’ and we have a deal where people don’t pay anything for the option anyway because I like to have some control and I like to have a little more money on the back end if something gets made,” King said.
“Rose Madder” is available on Amazon in Kindle, Audible, and paperback formats.
FAQs:
Q: What is “Rose Madder” about?
A: “Rose Madder” is a novel by Stephen King about a woman named Rosie Daniels who escapes from her abusive husband and starts a new life in a distant city.
Q: Has “Rose Madder” been adapted into a film?
A: No, “Rose Madder” has not yet been adapted into a film.
Q: What other Stephen King books have not been adapted into films?
A: Stephen King estimates that about 25% of his works have not been optioned for an adaptation. This includes his 1977 novel “Rage.”
Q: Where can I buy “Rose Madder”?
A: “Rose Madder” is available on Amazon in Kindle, Audible, and paperback formats.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
