Can a modern remake of a Stephen King classic ignite a new film franchise?
In short: The 2022 adaptation of Firestarter arrived with high expectations but faced harsh critical reception. Despite a modest box office performance and negative reviews, the production team behind this supernatural thriller has explored the possibility of expanding the story into a larger franchise, potentially through sequels, prequels, or spin-off media.
Directed by Keith Thomas and produced by Blumhouse Productions and Weed Road Pictures, the 2022 Firestarter is a reimagining of Stephen King's 1980 novel and the 1984 film adaptation. The story follows young Charlie McGee, who possesses dangerous pyrokinesis, and her parents, Andy and Vicky, who gained telepathic and telekinetic abilities respectively after participating in a clinical trial for an experimental drug called Lot-6. The film centers on the family's attempt to evade the Department of Scientific Intelligence, a secret agency led by Captain Jane Hollister that seeks to control or eliminate Charlie.
The production process was lengthy, beginning with an announcement in April 2017. Several directors were attached before Keith Thomas took over in December 2019. Principal photography occurred in Ontario during the summer of 2021. Upon its release on May 13, 2022, the film was distributed simultaneously in theaters and on the streaming platform Peacock. It struggled financially, earning $15 million worldwide against a $12 million budget. In its opening weekend in the United States and Canada, the film debuted at $3.8 million, placing fourth at the box office.
Critical reception was largely unfavorable. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 10% approval rating, with critics frequently describing it as inferior to the 1984 original. Reviewers like Benjamin Lee and Jeffrey Anderson criticized the film for lacking inspiration and purpose. Conversely, Richard Roeper offered a more positive perspective, suggesting the film functions effectively as 21st-century drive-in entertainment. Despite the negative consensus, the film reached two million households during its first week on Peacock. Whether these metrics provide enough momentum for the proposed franchise expansion remains a subject of ongoing discussion within the production team.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Firestarter (2022 film)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-firestarter-2022-film.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Films · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
