“The Talisman” Adaptation No Longer in Development at Netflix, Duffer Brothers Confirm
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A planned series adaptation of Stephen King and Peter Straub’s acclaimed 1984 novel, “The Talisman,” has been cancelled at Netflix, marking the end of yet another attempt to bring the complex fantasy story to the screen. The news comes from the creators of “Stranger Things,” Matt and Ross Duffer, who were spearheading the project through their production company, Upside Down Pictures.
Upside Down Pictures’ Initial Plans
In July 2022, the Duffer brothers announced a slate of projects under their newly formed banner, Upside Down Pictures. Among these was a live-action adaptation of the popular manga “Death Note,” and the highly anticipated television series based on “The Talisman.” The novel centers on a young boy’s journey between New Hampshire and a mysterious alternate reality known as ‘The Territories’ as he seeks an artifact to save his mother’s life. Amblin Entertainment and Paramount Television were initially slated to co-produce the series.
The Project’s Demise
Speaking with CBR this week, the Duffer brothers revealed the project’s current status. “Sadly, ‘Talisman’ is no longer at Netflix, so we’re not involved,” one of the brothers stated. Reflecting on the challenges of adapting the source material, another added, “I remember I was, I think it was probably naive of us to think we could break ‘The Talisman.’” The brothers acknowledged the long and troubled history of attempts to adapt the novel, with one noting, “When I interned…back in college…I remember reading a movie script for Talisman. So it’s been in development forever, so I’m sorry that we were not the ones to break the curse.”
A Long History of Unsuccessful Adaptations
Attempts to adapt “The Talisman” have been ongoing since the book’s publication, consistently failing to materialize into a finished product. Netflix first announced its intention to develop a series adaptation in 2021, fueling renewed hope among fans. However, the project ultimately succumbed to the same fate as previous iterations. The reasons for the cancellation remain undisclosed, but the Duffer brothers’ comments suggest the inherent difficulty in translating the novel’s intricate narrative to the screen may have played a significant role.
