Stephen King is is currently in the spotlight due to his high praise for Netflix’s limited series Baby Reindeer, which tells the story of comedian Richard Gadd’s experiences with a stalker. The series has gained immense popularity and has been a hit on the streaming service. However, King is not as enthusiastic about another movie adaptation of his work that is also streaming on Netflix – Firestarter. The film, which stars Drew Barrymore as an 8-year-old girl with telekinetic abilities, was released 40 years ago on May 11, 1984.
As Firestarter celebrates its 40th anniversary, Stephen King has been vocal about his disappointment with the film adaptation. King expressed his dissatisfaction with the movie in an interview with American Film, criticizing various aspects of the production. He particularly took issue with the special effects and creative decisions, including the portrayal of Charlie’s father by David Keith. King also pointed out flaws in the direction and performances, singling out Martin Sheen’s performance as lacking in direction and depth.
Despite his negative views on Firestarter, Stephen King has been receiving praise for his public support of Baby Reindeer, a Netflix series that explores the theme of obsession. King expressed his admiration for the series in a social media post, calling it “Holy s—t.” The series has been a global sensation, garnering millions of views and landing a spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 TV Shows chart for the week of April 29 to May 5. King also reflected on the success of another movie adaptation of his work, Misery, which was released in 1990 and starred Kathy Bates in an Oscar-winning role.
As King’s latest endorsement of Baby Reindeer continues to capture attention, the comparison between his newer work and the older Firestarter adaptation highlights the evolution of his storytelling. While Firestarter may not have met King’s expectations, Baby Reindeer has succeeded in captivating audiences with its powerful narrative. Both projects are now available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a chance to explore different aspects of King’s vast and varied body of work. Despite the mixed reactions to Firestarter, King’s ongoing impact on popular culture is undeniable, with his stories continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide.
