History of 'Salem's Lot in Timeline

'Salem's Lot, Stephen King's 1975 horror novel, follows writer Ben Mears' return to Jerusalem's Lot, Maine. He finds the town succumbing to vampirism. Mears, along with a group of townspeople, must confront the ancient evil that has taken root. The novel explores themes of isolation, the corruption of small-town America, and the battle against overwhelming darkness. The story is connected to King's other works through revisited locations and shared themes. 'Salem's Lot was nominated for a World Fantasy Award in 1976 and a Locus Award in 1987.

1969: Foreshadowing in "The Garbage Truck"

In 1969, King foreshadowed the coming of 'Salem's Lot in "The Garbage Truck", a column he wrote for the University of Maine at Orono's campus newspaper, by writing about a Shaker sect that disappeared from their village in Vermont.

1973: King writes 'Salem's Lot amid political turmoil

In 1973, Stephen King wrote 'Salem's Lot during the period of the Ervin committee, the Ellsberg break-in, the White House tapes, and other political turmoil, leading to his disillusionment and fear for the future, reflected in the novel.

1975: Neil Gaiman's First Encounter

In 1975, Neil Gaiman encountered Stephen King's work through 'Salem's Lot at East Croydon station and began buying everything King wrote afterwards.

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1975: Publication of 'Salem's Lot

In 1975, Stephen King's horror novel 'Salem's Lot was published. It was King's second published novel, revolving around a writer who discovers the residents of Jerusalem's Lot are becoming vampires.

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1976: World Fantasy Award Nomination

In 1976, the novel 'Salem's Lot received a nomination for the World Fantasy Award.

1978: Revisiting the Town in Night Shift

In 1978, The town in 'Salem's Lot is revisited in the short stories "Jerusalem's Lot" and "One for the Road", both from King's story collection Night Shift.

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1979: 'Salem's Lot Miniseries Airs on CBS

In 1979, 'Salem's Lot was adapted as a three-hour two-part television miniseries that aired on CBS, starring David Soul. It received Emmy and Edgar Award nominations.

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February 1980: "On Becoming a Brand Name" Essay

In February 1980, King's essay for Adeline Magazine, "On Becoming a Brand Name," was released where he expanded on the idea of a 20th-century vampire and how it coalesced into the novel 'Salem's Lot.

June 1983: Playboy Interview Mention of Sequel Plans

In a June 1983 Playboy interview, the interviewer mentioned King was planning a sequel to 'Salem's Lot because it was his favorite book, but King later stated he felt a sequel was unnecessary due to The Dark Tower series continuing the narrative.

1987: Locus Award Nomination

In 1987, 'Salem's Lot was nominated for the Locus Award for All-Time Best Fantasy Novel.

1987: A Return to Salem's Lot Film Release

In 1987, Larry Cohen directed the film A Return to Salem's Lot, marketed as a sequel to the 1979 miniseries but without any original characters.

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1987: King's Favorite Story

In 1987, Stephen King told Phil Konstantin in The Highway Patrolman magazine that 'Salem's Lot was his favorite story because of what it says about small towns.

1994: 'Salem's Lot Radio Drama

In 1994, 'Salem's Lot was adapted as a radio drama on BBC Radio 4 in the UK.

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2004: TNT Premieres New 'Salem's Lot Adaptation

In 2004, TNT premiered a new television adaptation of 'Salem's Lot, starring Rob Lowe, which also received a Primetime Emmy nomination.

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2004: 'Salem's Lot Television Miniseries

In 2004, a new television miniseries adaptation of 'Salem's Lot, directed by Mikael Salomon, was released.

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2004: King's Introduction to Audiobook Recording

In 2004, in the introduction to the audiobook recording of 'Salem's Lot, which Stephen King read himself, he mentioned a discussion with his wife about what would happen if Dracula came to America in the 20th century.

2005: Deluxe Limited Edition Release

In 2005, Centipede Press released a deluxe limited edition of 'Salem's Lot with black and white photographs by Jerry Uelsmann and additional content, limited to 315 signed copies and 600 unsigned copies.

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2018: "Past Perfect" Episode of Castle Rock

In 2018, the eighth episode of the Castle Rock TV series, entitled "Past Perfect", briefly showed a present-day bus stop in Jerusalem's Lot, placing it 24 miles from Castle Rock. The Marsten House is a primary location in the show's second season.

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April 2019: Theatrical Film Adaptation Announced

In April 2019, a theatrical film adaptation of 'Salem's Lot from New Line Cinema was announced, with Gary Dauberman set to write and direct and James Wan attached to produce.

September 2021: Filming Begins in Boston

In September 2021, filming for the 'Salem's Lot theatrical adaptation began in Boston, starring Lewis Pullman, Spencer Treat Clark, and Makenzie Leigh.

2021: Chapelwaite TV Series

In 2021, the Epix television series Chapelwaite, starring Adrien Brody and Emily Hampshire, which is loosely based on the short story "Jerusalem's Lot", a prequel to 'Salem's Lot set in the 19th century, was released.

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September 9, 2022: Original Release Date

Originally scheduled to be released in cinemas on September 9, 2022, the film was pushed back to April 21, 2023.

April 21, 2023: Release Date Delayed

Originally scheduled for release on April 21, 2023, the release was ultimately delayed indefinitely.

October 3, 2024: 'Salem's Lot Feature Film Release on Max

On October 3, 2024, the feature film adaptation of 'Salem's Lot, written and directed by Gary Dauberman and starring Makenzie Leigh, Lewis Pulman, and Spencer Treat Clark, was released on Max.

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