Stephen King has rightfully earned his title as the master of horror through an impressive array of written works, yet one of his most unsettling stories remains unadapted for the screen.
Known for iconic works like The Shining, Misery, and It, King’s creative prowess has contributed to some of the most memorable horror films of all time. With an expansive portfolio comprising over 65 novels and 200 short stories, there continues to be ample scope for spine-chilling adaptations.
Among his lesser-known tales lies significant potential, particularly his 1981 short story, The Jaunt.
This narrative first appeared in The Twilight Zone Magazine and was later included in King’s compilation, Skeleton Crew.
Set in a far-off future, the story centers around a family as they prepare for “the Jaunt,” a groundbreaking teleportation system that enables individuals to traverse the Solar System instantaneously.
As the children inquire about the mechanics behind the Jaunt, the narrative unfolds into a cautionary tale of profound existential dread, culminating in one of King’s most disturbing and haunting conclusions.
The Spotlight on Stephen King’s Short Tales
There have been two attempts to bring The Jaunt to the screen, neither of which came to fruition. The first was a proposed film adaptation in 2015 directed by Andy Muschietti, who ultimately chose to focus on It Chapters One and Two instead.
In January 2021, it was announced that Dave Erickson, co-creator of Fear The Walking Dead, would be adapting The Jaunt as a series. However, the lack of further updates suggests that this project may have stalled.
Coincidentally, another of King’s short stories, The Monkey (part of Skeleton Crew), is slated for a film adaptation by Osgood Perkins in February 2025. Additionally, a movie based on his novella The Long Walk is in progress, indicating a growing interest in adapting King’s shorter works.
It seems that horror enthusiasts are beginning to re-examine The Jaunt, with many Reddit users expressing their admiration for the story.
“…Holy Jesus Christ, it’s giving me heart palpitations,” one user remarked.
Another stated, “This is probably the most horrific fate in any horror story I’ve encountered. I think about it at least once a week.”
A third user commented: “King’s short stories have a profound impact. Many stem from his experiences during illness, which, regrettably, can also happen in music, but resulted in remarkable prose.”
“While I’m generally not a huge fan of King, I believe The Jaunt might represent the pinnacle of horror across any medium.”
For more insights on the latest horror films, you can check out Amazon Prime Video, along with updates regarding Welcome to Derry, the prequel series to Stephen King’s It.
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