Stephen King novel Billy Summers to receive TV adaptation

Charlotte Whyatt • 03 Feb 2022 News

One of the few Stephen King books that isn't horror-related, it focuses on a hitman embarking on one last job.

Stephen King’s novel Billy Summers is to be adapted into a new limited series. 

Released back in August 2021 to generally positive reviews, it’s a rare example of his work that doesn’t involve the supernatural. 

Instead, it follows the titular hitman who agrees to accept one last job before his retirement which involves him eliminating the last witness to a major crime. 

The show will be around 6 to 10 episodes long with Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz, whose previous credits include 2003’s The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise, partnering to write. 

Zwick will also direct all of the episodes and J.J Abrams Bad Robot company will be producing. 

The project is currently being shopped around to different networks and streamers and while no cast is yet attached, King himself has previously said he’d like to see Jake Gyllenhaal take on the titular role. 

Billy Summers is the latest in a long line of Stephen King projects to get greenlit. Set to arrive at some point this year are remakes of Salem’s Lot, Firestarter and Christine along with adaptations of Later and Mr Harrigan’s Phone. 

Source: AV Club