The Stand TV show has cast yet another A-lister. According to Collider, Alexander Skarsgard will be making a trip into Stephen King’s post-apocalyptic world as Randall Flagg.
The role was previously played by Jamey Sheridan in the 1994 TV miniseries and Matthew McConaughey played the Man in Black in the much-maligned The Dark Tower movie adaptation back in 2016. Making it slightly more confusing, Jasper Paakkonen will play the evil one in the upcoming Dark Tower TV show.
The Stand is one of King’s more revered works. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where a superflu has wiped out most of humanity. What’s left of the human race must now fight one another in an all-out battle between good and evil.
The Stand was first turned into a mini-series back in 1994. Fans of King’s work either loved or hated the TV adaptation from 25 years ago. CBS All Access has decided to dust off the property and give it another go. Stephen King himself will be re-writing the ending. King looks to be listening and changing things up after years of scrutiny over the conclusion.
Skarsgard’s casting is the latest in a long list of who’s who in the newest adaptation. James Marsden has been cast as Stu Redman, Amber Heard as Nadine Cross, and Greg Kinnear as Glen Bateman. The list doesn’t end there. Odessa Young, Whoopi Goldberg, Jovan Adepo, Owen Teague, Brad William Henke, and Daniel Sunjata all have roles. Marilyn Manson is also rumored to not only have a role in the show but will be writing music as well.
The Stand is just another of King’s work enjoying a modern-day remake. The King renaissance has already seen IT, starring Bill Skarsgard (Alexander’s brother), make a monster comeback. Pet Sematary was a modest hit this year and fans can also look forward to a Firestarter remake. Doctor Sleep, a sequel to King’s The Shining, will hit theaters this November.
The Stand on CBS All Access will be a 10-hour limited series and premieres sometime in 2020.
