Stephen King's Influence on the 2017 Adaptation of IT

The 2017 adaptation of IT, directed by Andy Muschietti, marked a significant revival of Stephen King's beloved novel. However, it is often misconstrued that Stephen King himself penned the screenplay or concept for this film. In reality, the studio's decision-making processes often overshadow the role of the original author. This article delves into the nuances of IT's production and Stephen King's involvement in its adaptation.

The Role of the Studio in Movie Production

The publishing of a novel like IT grants the author a degree of creative control. However, once the movie rights are sold, the studio or production company takes over, dictating most aspects of the film. Rights to IT were purchased by producers and studios well before King's involvement, making him, in a sense, a spectator in the later stages of the film's development.

Despite King's initial consultation with the writers and director, he had no final say in whether the film would be made. This is a common scenario in the film industry where the original author often has limited control after the sale of rights.

Stephen King's Contributions

Stephen King's contributions to the 2017 adaptation of IT were primarily during the first stages, pertaining to the initial consultation and offering of suggestions. King, known for his detailed input in previous adaptations, played a significant role in providing notes to the writing team during the screenplay development phase. However, the final decision to greenlight the film was not within his purview.

His initial support and endorsement were crucial in getting the project off the ground, but once the script was written and the production team was assembled, King's influence became more peripheral.

FAQs about Stephen King and IT 2017

Q: Did Stephen King write the screenplay for the 2017 IT?

A: No, Stephen King did not write the screenplay for the 2017 adaptation of IT. His involvement was more focused on providing guidance and consultation during the writing process.

Q: Why did Stephen King not have final say in the movie's production?

A: Once the film rights were sold to the studio, the decision-making process shifted to the production company. Authors typically do not have final say over the creative decisions of a film, especially once the script and production team are in place.

Q: How much control did Stephen King have over the 2017 IT?

A: While Stephen King did provide substantial input during the screenplay development, his control was limited. He offered suggestions and support but had no say in the final decision to produce the film.

Conclusion

The 2017 adaptation of IT is a testament to the collaborative nature of film production. While Stephen King played a pivotal role in the early stages, the studio's influence eventually took precedence. This scenario is not unique to IT; many authors face similar circumstances when their works are adapted into films.