The adaptation of Stephen King and Peter Straub’s fantasy novel “The Talisman” is no longer moving forward at Netflix, according to its creators, Matt and Ross Duffer. The announcement comes after the duo had previously outlined ambitious plans for the project under their production company, Upside Down Pictures.
In July 2022, the Duffers shared their vision for various high-profile projects, including a live-action adaptation of “Death Note” and the long-anticipated series based on “The Talisman.” This novel, published in 1984, follows a young man who navigates between New Hampshire and a parallel universe known as ‘The Territories’ to find an artifact that can save his mother’s life. The adaptation was set to be produced in collaboration with Amblin Entertainment and Paramount Television.
Speaking with CBR this week, the Duffers confirmed the cancellation of the project. “Sadly, ‘Talisman’ is no longer at Netflix, so we’re not involved,” said Ross Duffer. His brother, Matt, reflected on the challenges of adapting the beloved novel, stating, “I remember I was, I think it was probably naive of us to think we could break ‘The Talisman.’”
The journey to adapt “The Talisman” has been fraught with difficulties. The story has been in development for several years, with multiple attempts to bring it to the screen since its release. Ross Duffer recalled his early experiences in the industry, mentioning that he had read a script for “The Talisman” during his internship at Kennedy Marshall, emphasizing the long-standing challenges in making the project a reality.
The series was first announced in 2021, generating excitement among fans of the novel. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the project, the Duffers ultimately could not overcome the hurdles that had plagued previous adaptations.
The Duffer Brothers gained fame for their successful work on “Stranger Things,” but “The Talisman” marks a notable setback in their expansion into new storytelling territories. The announcement has left many fans disappointed, as they had hoped the Duffers would successfully break the curse that has hindered the adaptation for decades.
With “The Talisman” now officially abandoned at Netflix, the future of the project remains uncertain. As the Duffers continue to explore new storytelling avenues, the literary world of Stephen King and Peter Straub remains untouched by this latest adaptation attempt.
