Summary
Fans of Stephen King’sThe Standshould be excited for August, as a new release endorsed by the author presents unique possibilities.The Standwas first published in 1978, with The Complete & Uncut Edition debuting in 1990, which added 400 pages and rearranged chapters. This edition makes it King’s longest stand-alone work at 1,152 pages, beatingIT’s 1,138-page count.The Standwas also lengthy by design, as King wanted to write an epic tale in the spirit of J.R.R. Tolkien’sLord of the Rings. Though his post-apocalyptic novel is a bleak epic as onlyStephen Kingcould tell, it has become one of his most beloved works.
The Standhas been adapted into two different TV miniseries, and there was even a run of Marvel Comics based on the novel. It was also the introduction of King’s character Randall Flagg, who would go on to appear in several other books, including hisDark Towerseries. With all the media thatThe Standhas helped fuel, the world that King breathed life into is now set to expand with new stories this August with the release of the bookThe End of the World As We Know It.
Stephen King’sThe StandTells Of A Post-Apocalyptic World Ravaged By A Pandemic
WithThe Stand,King tells the storyofa world ravaged by a weaponized influenza, which is referred to as a “superflu,” and “Captain Trips,” thanks to its disorienting effects. The virus escapes a Department of Defense facility due to a security breach, sweeping the United States before devastating humanity worldwide. The Stand sees over 99% of the world’s population die as a result of the pandemic, with global infrastructure in ruins, leaving the survivors a devastatingly bleak landscape in which to live.
WhileThe Standfollows numerous characters, there are two distinct groups that represent good and evil.A group of survivors with shared visions of Mother Abigail come together under her guidance, building the Free Zone and setting about reestablishing some semblance of society. The protagonists of the story are among Mother Abigail’s followers, as they are eventually pit against the leader of a fascist dictatorship.
Randall Flagg leads the evil group inThe Stand, with his followers worshiping him like a messiah figure and even crucifying those deemed undesirable. Flagg wants war with Mother Abigail’s community, which she foresees, sending a group to stop him. There are numerous story threads and horrifying details that beset each character, brought to life via terrifyingly detailed imagery.The Standsucceeded by allowing interesting, dynamic characters to thrive in a world that is struggling to bounce back from the near extinction of humanity, demonstrating why it is one ofKing’s most lauded works.
The End Of The World As We Know ItExpands King’s Post-Apocalyptic Universe
The End of the World As We Know Itis an anthology of short stories set in the world ofThe Stand.Some of the stories take place before and after the events of King’s original novel, fleshing out the world he created. The book is also authorized by Stephen King, who penned the introduction. Numerous creatives contributed to the stories inThe End of the World As We Know It, including Somer Canon, Poppy Z. Brite, and C. Robert Cargill, the latter of whom moviegoers may know from the screenplays forSinisterandThe Black Phone.
While most specific story details are still under wraps ahead of the August debut ofThe End of the World As We Know It, early word has teased a unique blend. Some stories promise to be horrifying and violent, with others said to be more philosophical in nature. Still, each new tale will expand on King’s epic vision, and withThe Standhaving been adapted for TV before,The End of the World As We Know Itcould make the same leap.
The StandHas Been Adapted For TV, &The End Of The World As We Know ItCould Be Next
The Standhas been adaptedinto two different TV miniseries.The first, in 1994, starred Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald, Jamey Sheridan, Rob Lowe, and Miguel Ferrer, among others. The story unfolded over four feature-length episodes and was a hit with critics and audiences. The 2020 adaptation ofThe Standtells the tale over the course of nine hour-long episodes, starring James Marsden, Alexander Skarsgård, and Whoopi Goldberg, alongside an eclectic cast in other roles. However, most were unimpressed with the adaptation, which garnered lukewarm reviews from critics and even hatred from some King fans.
The End of the World As We Know Itproposes the perfect way to expand the world ofThe Standin more ways than one.Given thatThe Standhas found success on TV, at least with the 1994 adaptation, there is room for new stories to thrive in the world of streaming.The anthology format would also work perfectly for episodic TV, as each installment could take on another story from the book. While plans forThe End of the World As We Know Itare unknown beyond its August release, the bleak world Stephen King established may have a bright future. There are even plans to seedirector Doug Liman potentiallyturnThe Standinto a feature film, which could manifest in the coming years.
