History of 'Salem's Lot in Timeline
"Salem's Lot", a 1975 horror novel by Stephen King, tells the story of Ben Mears, a writer who returns to his childhood town of Jerusalem's Lot, Maine. Upon his return, he discovers that the town's residents are turning into vampires. King's second published novel, "'Salem's Lot" was nominated for the World Fantasy Award in 1976 and the Locus Award for the All-Time Best Fantasy Novel in 1987. The town of Jerusalem's Lot is revisited in two of King's short stories, "Jerusalem's Lot" and "One for the Road," both published in his 1978 collection "Night Shift."
1969: Stephen King Hints at 'Salem's Lot in Column
In a 1969 installment of his University of Maine at Orono campus newspaper column, "The Garbage Truck," Stephen King made an early allusion to the town that would become 'Salem's Lot, writing about the disappearance of a Shaker sect from a town named "Jeremiah's Lot."
1973: Stephen King Writes 'Salem's Lot Amid Political Upheaval
Stephen King revealed that he wrote 'Salem's Lot in 1973 during a time of significant political turmoil and distrust in the US government. He felt that the novel reflected the societal anxieties of that period, comparing the fear to that of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers."
1975: Neil Gaiman's First Encounter with 'Salem's Lot
Author Neil Gaiman, in his personal reflections, shared that he first encountered Stephen King's work through 'Salem's Lot in 1975, which he greatly admired and that led him to become a fan of King's writing.
1975: 'Salem's Lot Publication
Stephen King's second published novel, 'Salem's Lot, a horror story about a writer who returns to his childhood town to find the residents becoming vampires, was published in 1975.
1976: 'Salem's Lot Nominated for World Fantasy Award
'Salem's Lot was nominated for the World Fantasy Award in 1976.
1978: Short Stories Featuring 'Salem's Lot Released
In 1978, Stephen King published "Jerusalem's Lot" and "One for the Road," two short stories that revisit the town of 'Salem's Lot, in his collection "Night Shift".
1979: 'Salem's Lot miniseries adaptation
In 1979, a two-part miniseries adaptation of 'Salem's Lot, starring David Soul, aired on CBS. It was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards and an Edgar Award.
1979: First 'Salem's Lot Miniseries Airs
The first miniseries adaptation of 'Salem's Lot, directed by Tobe Hooper, premiered in 1979.
February 1980: Stephen King Publishes Essay About 'Salem's Lot
In February 1980, Stephen King's essay "On Becoming a Brand Name" was published in Adeline Magazine. In the essay, he discusses the creative process behind 'Salem's Lot, drawing a connection between the novel and a vivid dream he had as a child.
June 1983: Stephen King Expresses Fondness for 'Salem's Lot
In a June 1983 interview with Playboy, Stephen King stated that 'Salem's Lot was his favorite among his books.
1987: A Return to Salem's Lot film release
In 1987, the film A Return to Salem's Lot, directed by Larry Cohen, was released. Although marketed as a sequel to the 1979 miniseries, it featured none of the original characters.
1987: Stephen King Discusses 'Salem's Lot as His Favorite
During an interview in 1987, Stephen King reiterated his fondness for 'Salem's Lot, appreciating its portrayal of small towns and their decline.
1987: 'Salem's Lot Nominated for Locus Award
'Salem's Lot was nominated for the Locus Award for the All-Time Best Fantasy Novel in 1987.
1995: 'Salem's Lot radio drama adaptation
In 1995, the novel was adapted as a radio drama that aired on BBC Radio 4 in the U.K.
2004: Second 'Salem's Lot Miniseries Adaptation Released
A second television miniseries based on 'Salem's Lot, directed by Mikael Salomon, was released in 2004.
2004: Stephen King Reveals Inspiration Behind 'Salem's Lot
In the 2004 audiobook recording of 'Salem's Lot, Stephen King shared that the initial concept for the book came to him while teaching a course on fantasy and science fiction. Inspired by Dracula, he wondered what would happen if a vampire appeared in modern-day America. He originally titled the book "Second Coming" but later changed it to "Jerusalem's Lot" and then to "'Salem's Lot".
2004: 'Salem's Lot miniseries adaptation (TNT)
TNT premiered a new two-part miniseries adaptation of 'Salem's Lot in 2004, starring Rob Lowe as Ben Mears. It also received a Primetime Emmy nomination.
2005: Deluxe Edition of 'Salem's Lot Published
A deluxe limited edition of 'Salem's Lot, featuring illustrations by Jerry Uelsmann, was released by Centipede Press in 2005.
2018: 'Salem's Lot references in "Castle Rock"
In 2018, the eighth episode of the TV series "Castle Rock" featured a present-day bus stop in Jerusalem's Lot. The Marsten House also appeared in the show's second season.
April 2019: 'Salem's Lot film adaptation announced
In April 2019, New Line Cinema announced a theatrical film adaptation of 'Salem's Lot, with Gary Dauberman as writer and director, and James Wan as producer.
September 2021: 'Salem's Lot film begins shooting
Filming for the theatrical adaptation of 'Salem's Lot began in Boston in September 2021. The film stars Lewis Pullman, Spencer Treat Clark, and Makenzie Leigh.
2021: "Chapelwaite" TV series premiere
The Epix television series "Chapelwaite", starring Adrien Brody and Emily Hampshire, premiered in 2021. The series is based on the short story "Jerusalem's Lot", a prequel to 'Salem's Lot.
September 9, 2022: 'Salem's Lot film release (cancelled)
The theatrical film adaptation of 'Salem's Lot was initially scheduled for release on September 9, 2022, but was postponed and later pulled from the Warner Bros. release schedule.
April 21, 2023: 'Salem's Lot film release (cancelled)
The theatrical film adaptation of 'Salem's Lot was rescheduled for release on April 21, 2023, but was later pulled from the Warner Bros. release schedule.
October 3, 2024: New 'Salem's Lot Film Adaptation to Premiere on Max
A new film adaptation of 'Salem's Lot, directed by Gary Dauberman, is scheduled for release on Max on October 3, 2024.