Stephen King’s works continue to captivate audiences worldwide, whether through the terrifying pages of his novels or thrilling cinematic adaptations. His influence in the horror genre remains unmatched, with a growing list of movies and TV series based on his stories, from The Shining to It to Gerald’s Game. Now, fans of the horror maestro have something new to look forward to: a film adaptation of King’s short story Mister Yummy, which is currently in development under Intrinsic Value Films.
This adaptation is part of a broader wave of Stephen King works making their way to the screen, following the success of The Monkey and The Long Walk, both of which earned critical acclaim for their respectful yet chilling interpretations of King’s novels. But what exactly can viewers expect from Mister Yummy? And why does this story, from King’s 2015 collection The Bazaar of Bad Dreams, stand out in the ever-growing list of King’s horror films? Let’s dive into the details.
Overview of ‘Mister Yummy’ Movie
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Mister Yummy (Adaptation) |
| Based On | Short story by Stephen King from The Bazaar of Bad Dreams (2015) |
| Development Stage | Early development; no director, cast, or distributor attached yet |
| Writer | Troy Blake |
| Producer | Thomas Mahoney |
| Genre | Horror, Psychological Thriller |
| Story Theme | Mortality, regret, existential dread, confronting one’s past |
| Current Production Status | Film adaptation being developed by Intrinsic Value Films |
| Other Notable King Adaptations | The Monkey, The Long Walk, Billy Summers (film), Carrie (TV series) |
| Film Market | To be launched at the American Film Market (AFM) |
| Expected Release | No official release date yet |

What We Know So Far About the ‘Mister Yummy’ Movie?
The Story: A Haunting Tale of Regret and Mortality
At the heart of Mister Yummy lies a deeply personal and existential tale. The film adaptation will follow Ollie Franklin, a gay man confronting his own mortality. The story’s premise revolves around themes of death, regret, and the haunting presence of past mistakes that never truly leave. King’s trademark ability to weave emotional depth into his horror stories is evident here, as the narrative tackles the chilling notion that our regrets might linger long after we do.
According to Deadline, Mister Yummy is described as a “haunting tale,” with Ollie’s journey into the unknown marked by confrontations with both physical and psychological terror. The story’s psychological horror aspects are expected to mirror the eerie, slow-burn tension King is known for, as Ollie’s struggle with his past begins to manifest in terrifying ways. The central theme of confronting one’s own demons, both literal and metaphorical, is something King has explored before, but Mister Yummy promises to take it to new, unsettling heights.
The movie’s emotional intensity combined with King’s supernatural touches creates a potent mix that could lead to a film as psychologically engaging as it is chilling. While the full plot remains under wraps, it’s clear that Mister Yummy will lean heavily on the existential dread that so often pervades King’s work.
Thomas Mahoney, the producer of Mister Yummy, spoke about the project’s potential impact:
“This story, like many of Stephen King’s works, taps into the deepest fears of the human psyche. Mister Yummy isn’t just about supernatural horror; it’s about confronting your past, facing mortality, and living with regret. It’s a story that will stick with you long after the credits roll, and we’re incredibly excited to bring it to life on the big screen.”
The Team Behind the Film
The adaptation is being written by Troy Blake, who will also be serving as the screenwriter for the project. Blake’s involvement is inspiring, given his reputation for adapting emotionally complex material into screenplays that maintain the nuance of the original text. Thomas Mahoney, known for his production work in the genre, will serve as a producer for the film.
However, as of now, the film lacks an official director, cast, and distributor, leaving many questions unanswered. It’s still early in the development process, but the involvement of Intrinsic Value Films signals serious intent for the project, especially given the success of their past projects.
This announcement comes as Intrinsic Value Films, a relatively new but ambitious production company, prepares to launch multiple projects at the American Film Market. Alongside Mister Yummy, they are also working on a biopic of Gene Wilder, titled Gene, with writer Jeremy Roth. While this move to produce King’s story certainly elevates the company’s profile, it’s clear that the horror genre holds particular promise for them.
The Connection to Stephen King’s Broader Cinematic Universe
Stephen King’s literary works have had a long-standing relationship with film and television, but the recent trend of successful adaptations, like The Monkey (directed by Osgood Perkins) and The Long Walk (directed by Francis Lawrence), has reignited interest in bringing King’s short stories and lesser-known works to the big screen. This is crucial for the continued growth of King’s cinematic legacy, as it moves beyond the iconic books that have already been adapted into movies, such as Carrie and The Shining.
While many of King’s most famous novels have received attention from major studios, adaptations of his short stories—especially those in The Bazaar of Bad Dreams collection—have remained relatively rare. Mister Yummy represents a fresh opportunity to explore some of King’s more understated but equally unnerving works. The short story’s deeply psychological themes and unique character study make it ripe for adaptation, and there’s a growing demand for stories that don’t just rely on jump-scares but instead create sustained tension.
In addition to Mister Yummy, other King works are also being adapted for film, including the crime thriller Billy Summers, which Warner Bros. Pictures is adapting. There’s also an upcoming Carrie TV series coming to Prime Video, spearheaded by Mike Flanagan (creator of The Haunting of Hill House). As King’s library continues to inspire filmmakers, Mister Yummy could well become another standout project in the growing list of high-quality adaptations of his work.
King’s Thoughts on Horror and Legacy
King’s relationship with the horror genre is as multifaceted as his writing. He’s often praised for his ability to tap into universal fears, making his work resonate with audiences beyond the horror community. In a recent guest essay for Variety, King discussed his thoughts on what makes a truly scary movie. Reflecting on his youth, King named The Haunting (1963) as one of his early choices for the scariest film, while later citing The Blair Witch Project as another contender due to its ability to evoke a building sense of doom.
But in King’s view, the “scariest” film of all time isn’t defined by the amount of gore or supernatural creatures but by the emotional terror it evokes. For King, that honor goes to George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead (1968), a low-budget classic that forever changed the landscape of zombie films. King praised the movie’s bleak ending and the “helpless terror” it instilled in him, acknowledging how Romero’s film played on both survival instincts and existential dread. He noted that Night of the Living Dead and The Blair Witch Project both succeed because they rely on an atmosphere of impending doom, where the audience shares in the terror of the characters.
This essay reflects King’s evolution as both a writer and a fan of horror. While his stories have dominated the genre for decades, his deep understanding of fear—both physical and psychological—continues to fuel his work and influence new generations of horror fans.
Stephen King shared his thoughts on what makes a truly terrifying film in his guest essay for Variety, acknowledging how films like Night of the Living Dead inspired his own writing:
“What makes a truly terrifying movie isn’t just the monsters or the gore—it’s the atmosphere. Movies like The Blair Witch Project and Night of the Living Dead create a sense of dread and helplessness that lingers long after the screen goes dark. That feeling of being unable to escape, of being trapped in a nightmare that won’t end—that’s the kind of terror I try to capture in my writing.”
What’s Next for ‘Mister Yummy’ and Stephen King Adaptations?
While it remains to be seen who will direct Mister Yummy and which actors will be cast, the potential for the project is immense. The story’s psychological horror elements make it a great fit for filmmakers who enjoy weaving personal drama into supernatural terror, and the material seems poised to attract a director capable of navigating these intricate layers.
In the meantime, Stephen King fans can expect more adaptations to follow, from Billy Summers to Carrie and beyond. With Mister Yummy, Intrinsic Value Films appears ready to take another step into the world of King’s horror, exploring fresh and unnerving territory that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Whether the film will become as iconic as some of King’s previous adaptations remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this is a movie that fans of horror won’t want to miss.
FAQ
Mister Yummy is a horror short story by Stephen King about Ollie Franklin, a gay man grappling with mortality and the regrets that haunt him. The story blends existential dread with supernatural horror, focusing on themes of death and regret.
The film adaptation is being produced by Thomas Mahoney and written by Troy Blake.
As of now, there is no official release date for the film, and it is still in the early stages of development.
Yes! Mister Yummy joins several upcoming King adaptations, including Billy Summers and a Carrie TV series on Prime Video.
Stephen King has named Night of the Living Dead as the scariest horror movie of all time, citing its bleak ending and overwhelming sense of terror.