Mike Flanagan Says His ‘The Mist’ Adaptation Won’t Be a Remake of the 2007 Film

Mike Flanagan is setting the record straight about his upcoming adaptation of The Mist, assuring fans that his version will not simply remake the 2007 movie directed by Frank Darabont.

The filmmaker, who is reuniting with horror author Stephen King, responded to fan concerns on BlueSky, explaining that his take will go in a completely different direction from the earlier film.

“I love Darabont’s film, and there’s zero point in remaking it,” Flanagan wrote. “Which is why I’m going in a different direction.”

A New Approach to ‘The Mist’

The Mist was first published in 1980 and tells the story of a small town in Maine overtaken by a mysterious, deadly fog filled with terrifying creatures. A group of survivors takes shelter inside a grocery store, where fear and panic quickly turn neighbor against neighbor.

Flanagan emphasized that his version will return to King’s original novella but explore it differently from Darabont’s film. According to the director, “The differences start page 1.”

The 2007 adaptation, directed by Darabont, starred Thomas Jane and Marcia Gay Harden and became especially known for its shocking ending. In addition to the film, a 10-episode TV adaptation aired in 2017, created by Christian Torpe.

Flanagan Responds to Fan Skepticism

Flanagan addressed online debates about why another adaptation is necessary. He noted that similar doubts surrounded many of his previous projects, including The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Fall of the House of Usher, Ouija: Origin of Evil, and The Life of Chuck.

“I’ve been lucky so far in my career to only take on projects I’m really excited about,” he said, adding that if there wasn’t a strong creative reason to revisit The Mist, he wouldn’t be doing it.

What’s Next for Flanagan?

Flanagan is also working on a “radical redo” of The Exorcist, starring Scarlett Johansson. The film is currently scheduled for release on March 12, 2027.

For now, fans of Stephen King can expect a fresh and distinct vision of The Mist, one that aims to stand on its own rather than revisit familiar ground.