Tom Hiddleston Stars in New Stephen King Adaptation, But There’s a Twist You Won’t See Coming!

Fans of Tom Hiddleston and Stephen King alike have reason to get excited: a new Stephen King movie directed by Mike Flanagan and starring the beloved British actor is on the horizon. But before you get too excited, there’s a catch that might just change your expectations.

Flanagan, renowned for his work in blending deep emotion with horror in shows like The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, is adapting King’s novella The Life of Chuck for the big screen. The film, set for release on June 6, 2024, follows the life of Chuck Krantz (played by Hiddleston) in reverse chronological order, from his death back to his childhood. The story promises a deep, existential exploration of life, filled with emotional and sentimental moments—a departure from the typical horror-heavy themes one might expect from a Stephen King adaptation.

The trailer, recently dropped by Neon, has already created a buzz online. Fans have been praising the film for its hauntingly beautiful vibe, with some calling it a “match made in heaven” for Flanagan’s style. One fan even proclaimed they’d “show up for Flanagan no matter what,” while another, a self-professed The Life of Chuck novella enthusiast, described the trailer as “incredible.” The emotional weight and philosophical tone of the film seem to resonate deeply with those who have been following Flanagan’s work.

However, there’s a twist to the excitement. Despite Hiddleston’s star power, his role in The Life of Chuck is surprisingly small. Early reviews from the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) revealed that while Chuck is the film’s central character, Hiddleston’s screen time amounts to only five to seven minutes. As one TIFF viewer pointed out, “His character is important, of course, but Jacob Tremblay and the younger kid playing him had more screen time on their own.” Still, Hiddleston’s brief but significant moments include a reportedly powerful hospital scene and a memorable dance sequence—because, after all, what is a Hiddleston performance without some interpretive dancing?

While the limited screen time might be a letdown for some, the film is not without its potential for recognition. The movie’s reception at TIFF has led some to speculate that it could be an underdog contender in the upcoming awards season. Flanagan is being dubbed as a possible Oscar contender, with fans hopeful for a Best Picture or Best Screenplay nomination. However, some caution that Neon, the film’s distributor, may limit the campaign efforts to a single film in the run-up to awards season, which could hurt The Life of Chuck’s chances.

There’s also the question of tone. While many fans are excited about the film’s sentimental feel, others have expressed concerns about its sweetness. Some viewers described the trailer as “a symphony of feel-good moments,” which led to mixed reactions. For some, the sentimental elements were exactly what they were looking for, while others felt the movie may come across as “way too saccharine” and not quite the right fit for the horror or drama crowds.

Despite the mixed reactions to the tone, The Life of Chuck is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing films of 2024. Whether you’re drawn in by the film’s philosophical exploration of life, its emotionally charged moments, or simply curious to see Tom Hiddleston’s brief but memorable appearance, the film promises to offer something unique.

As The Life of Chuck heads toward its June release, it’s clear that this film will spark plenty of conversation—whether about its emotional depth, its Oscar potential, or its brief but captivating portrayal of a character played by one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors.

First trailer for Mike Flanagan’s ‘THE LIFE OF CHUCK, starring Tom Hiddleston, Mark Hamill, Matthew Lillard & Karen Gillian

In theaters on June 13. pic.twitter.com/ZQgCJ7Ga9o

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 15, 2025