“Talisman” Hits a Snag

Written by: Michael Hickerson (SoSF Staff Journalist)

The much-anticipated mini-series adaptation of Stephen King and Peter Straub’s “The Talisman” has hit a bit of a snag that may delay or cancel the production before it ever gets off the ground.

The adaptation of the best-selling novel follows the story of Jack, who can transport between Earth and a parallel world and do his cross-country trek in both universes. The scripts have been written and according to Variety, will cost more to produce than originally budgeted. Much of the extra cost would be in the realization of the special effects for the mini-series.

Currently TNT (who would air the mini-series) and DreamWorks (who would produce the mini-series) are working to iron out these budget issues and keep production on track.

“The Talisman” is executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy. The two have been trying to get the novel adapted to the screen for close to 20 years now, but with no success. According to sources it is a “pet project” for both Spielberg and Kennedy.

It has gone through several permutations on its road to the screen. It has been optioned as a big-screen adaptation as well as a mini-series for ABC. However, in each case the budgetary requirements to realize the vision of King and Straub have doomed each potential adaptation.

Hopefully, this won’t be the case with this potential adaptation of the best-selling novel.