Tom Hiddleston will star in a film based on Stephen King’s novella “The Life of Chuck,” Deadline reports.
The novella, which was collected in King’s 2020 book, If It Bleeds, tells the life story of accountant Charles “Chuck” Krantz in reverse chronological order. It starts with his death at 39, and culminates in his childhood as an orphan being raised by his grandparents.
Hiddleston (Thor, Loki) will star in the film adaptation as Chuck, while Mark Hamill, best known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars movies, will play a character named Albie.
The film will be written, produced, and directed by Mike Flanagan, known for horror series such as The Haunting and Midnight Mass. Flanagan has previously directed movies based on King’s novels Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep.
Another novella in If It Bleeds has also been adapted: “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” formed the basis for a 2022 movie of the same name directed by John Lee Hancock and starring Donald Sutherland and Jaeden Martell.
Ben Stiller has optioned the rights to another story from the collection, “Rat,” which he plans to produce, direct, and star in.
The Life of Chuck is one of several King adaptations currently in the works. Films or series based on Billy Summers, Christine, From a Buick 8, and The Tommyknockers are all planned for future release.
Michael Schaub, a journalist and regular contributor to NPR, lives near Austin, Texas.
