Adaptation of Sleeping Beauties is Coming with Co-Author Owen King Writing Pilot Script for AMC

You can go ahead and finally scratch Sleeping Beauties off your list of works by Stephen King yet to be picked up for a movie or TV series. We last heard about the possibility of an adaptation when the rights were picked up back in 2017, but it’s been quiet since then without any definite plan in place. However, that has since changed and Deadline is now reporting that AMC has snagged a pilot script deal with the intention of creating an open-ended television series. Additionally, they’ve hired Owen King, the younger son of King and co-author of the book, to pen the episode.

“Owen and Stephen King found the perfect canvas to tell a haunting and gripping story that sparks a relevant conversation about gender equality and individuality,” said Ashley Zalta, who is executive producing the show with Michael Sugar under their banner, Sugar 23. “We couldn’t be more excited about this collaboration with the Kings and with AMC, who have so often boldly redefined genres.”

Co-author Stephen King had nothing but praise for this announcement, adding, “I’m tremendously excited to see Sleeping Beauties brought to life in a format that will allow the story to be told as it was meant to be told, in all its mystery and drama.”

Sleeping Beauties is about a mysterious disease spreading across the world that causes women to fall into a deep sleep, where they then become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze. After this, they are transported to another dimension and find themselves in a post-apocalyptic Appalachian town, which they refer to as “Our Place.” Should they become awakened prematurely or their cocoons be violated in any way, the women become feral and incredibly violent.

One woman, the mysterious Eve Black, is the only female immune to the sleeping disease. Some question whether she is a medical anomaly worthy of study while others see her as a demon to be destroyed. Abandoned and left to their own increasingly primal urges, the men of the world divide into warring factions, with some wanting to kill her while others wish to save her, and some exploiting the chaos to wreak their own vengeance on new enemies. All turn to violence in a suddenly all-male world.

At this point, it’s too early to speculate on a release date, but, at the very least, the wheels are in motion and further announcements are sure to arrive soon. Stay tuned to Dead Entertainment for all the latest news and updates regarding AMC’s Sleeping Beauties.

About the Author

Jay Gervais

From small town to big city and back again, Jay was born and raised in Canada and has lived his whole life there. He’s always ready to cut down any misconceptions his American friends have of life in the great white north. He’s also no stranger to this kind of community, and has plenty of experience under his bed. He enjoys all kinds of horror entertainment, as long as it’s got the heart and soul to it. When he’s not doing something here, he can be found at his post at the night’s watch, or knee deep into his school studies.

More Reading

Weekly Horror News Round-Up August 8: Ratched, Antebellum, Resident Evil

Plus, Sarah Paulson will direct for the upcoming American Horror Story spinoff, Stephen King reveals a new crime drama, and more.

Weekly Horror News Round-Up August 1: Scream, The Witcher, Killroy Was Here

Plus, a few genre Emmy nominations, Jordan Peele takes on a "Sinkhole," Boss Fight Books' Resident Evil gets a release date, and more.

Weekly Horror News Round-Up July 25: Terrifier, The Walking Dead, Chucky

Plus, the latest pandemic film delays, Nick Frost and Simon Pegg reunite in Truth Seekers, enjoy a retro-style indie take on Bloodborne, and more.

JU-ON: Origins Season 1 Review: A Fascinating Beginning Heavy on the Macabre

Despite some boundary-pushing moments, this latest series from Netflix is full of genuine scares.