Mike Flanagan to Direct New Adaptation of Stephen King’s The Mist

Horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan is returning to the world of Stephen King once again. The director is set to write and helm a brand-new adaptation of King’s chilling novella The Mist for Warner Bros., according to Deadline.

This will mark Flanagan’s fifth project based on King’s work — and fans of psychological horror are already paying attention.

A Classic Story of Fear and Survival

Originally published in 1980, The Mist follows artist David Drayton, who becomes trapped inside a small-town supermarket after a mysterious, dense fog rolls over Bridgton, Maine. But the mist isn’t just weather — deadly creatures lurk inside it. As the danger outside grows, tensions and paranoia inside the store spiral into hysteria.

The story explores not just monster horror, but human fear — and how quickly society can unravel when survival is at stake.

A Tough Act to Follow

The novella was first adapted for theaters in 2007 by acclaimed filmmaker Frank Darabont, best known for The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile. Darabont’s version became infamous for its shocking and heartbreaking ending — one that differed dramatically from King’s original story. To this day, it frequently appears on lists of the most devastating and unforgettable horror movie endings.

A television adaptation later premiered on Hulu in 2017 but was canceled after just one season.

Now, nearly two decades after the film version, Flanagan is preparing to bring his own vision to the material.

Flanagan’s Growing Stephen King Legacy

Flanagan has built a strong creative relationship with King’s work. He previously directed Doctor Sleep, the sequel to The Shining, and adapted Gerald’s Game for Netflix. Most recently, he completed work on a limited series adaptation of Carrie, which is expected to premiere in 2026.

His style — emotional, character-driven horror with strong dramatic themes — makes The Mist a natural fit. Rather than relying solely on monsters, Flanagan often focuses on the psychological toll of fear and grief, something central to King’s novella.

No Release Date Yet

The new The Mist adaptation does not yet have a release date. Warner Bros. will produce the film alongside Flanagan’s Red Room Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment.

For horror fans, though, the announcement alone is enough to stir excitement. If Flanagan’s track record is anything to go by, this new trip into the fog could be both terrifying — and deeply emotional.