Iconic Stephen King Director Unretires For Netflix’s Biggest Show

Frank Darabont has worked in Hollywood since his 1984 writing/directing debut in the short film adaptation of Stephen King’s The Woman in the Room. Since then, he’s become well-known in the horror and drama genres, though he’s only ever directed four feature films. Most of his work, like the upcoming episodes of Stranger Things, has been in the television space. Darabont will direct two episodes (three and five) in the final season of Stranger Things. His comeback is thanks to the series creators The Duffers, who reportedly threw the director a “lifeline” to return to work.

While we don’t know the specifics of what Stranger Things Season 5 will be about, we know that we’ll be learning more about the Upside Down. Series creators Matt and Ross Duffer previously wrote a 25-page document diving into the mythology of the series, much of which has already been covered, but some mysteries are still waiting to be answered in the upcoming season, including the episodes directed by Frank Darabont. “The last remaining questions that are answered in that document, we’ve punted a couple of those to have some big reveals in Season 5,” Ross Duffer hinted when asked about the upcoming season.

So while we don’t know what will happen in the final season of Stranger Things, we know it’s going to be good, especially with filmmaking veterans like Frank Darabont on the team. In addition to his prolific Stephen King adaptations, Darabont is a master in the drama/horror/mystery department, as showcased when he created the crime mystery series Mob City and the zombie drama The Walking Dead. He also previously worked as a writer on Tales From the Crypt and The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones.

Stepping onto the set of Stranger Things will be the first time in a while since Frank Darabont has been back to work in Hollywood. Actor Thomas Jane, known for his role in The Punisher and having collaborated with Darabont on The Mist, revealed on the Kingcast podcast that the filmmaker faced professional consequences in Hollywood after suing AMC over The Walking Dead. In essence, Darabont was mistreated by AMC regarding his show and consequently pursued significant legal action against them. It appears that Darabont’s claims were substantiated, as he ultimately emerged victorious in the case, securing nearly $200 million in damages.

Since then, Frank Darabont has been keeping his work on the down low and has gone uncredited as a script doctor. After claiming he was retired for good, it seems he may have changed his mind. If Darabont is intending to get back in the saddle, directing a few episodes of the mega hit series Stranger Things may be the perfect way to do it.

If Stranger Things goes well, Frank Darabont may be back in Hollywood full time. The filmmaker has been open about projects he’d like to do and all he’s lacking is interest from the right producers. Perhaps the last season of the hit Netflix show will help get him that green light.

Source: The InSneider