First we get the confirmed news that Stephen King is writing a follow up to his 1977 novel The Shining called, Dr. Sleep, and now comes word that Warner Bros is possibly working on a prequel to the 1980 Stanley Kubrick movie.  Want more info? Here you go from the LA Times:

“Warner Bros.is quietly exploring the possibility of a prequel to “The Shining,” the 1980 Stanley Kubrick chillfest that many fans regard as the scariest movie of all time. The studio has solicited the involvement of Hollywood writer-producer Laeta Kalogridis and her partners Bradley Fischer and James Vanderbilt to craft a new take as producers, according to a person familiar with the project who was not authorized to talk about it publicly… The film would focus on what happened before Jack Torrance (of course played memorably onscreen by Jack Nicholson), his wife and their psychic son arrived at the haunted retreat where Torrance soon descends into violent madness. A WB spokeswoman cautioned that any ‘Shining’ prequel was in a very early stage and not even formally in development.”

*ugly crier hall of fame candidate*

Now I have to say, I’m on board for this as long as it’s done right and as long as they NEVER decide for whatever reason to do an actual remake of the 1980 movie.  I think I’m more interested though in the new Stephen King novel than a prequel, but that’s just my take.  I like carrot cake, but you might like red velvet.  No clue what that has to do with anything, but I bet you want some cake now, huh?  I think though that we would all agree that what that prequel needs is some more Scatman Crothers!  Poor bastard flew all the way across the country, trekked through a blizzard in a snow plow he borrowed from Apollo Creed’s boxing trainer, and all he got for it was an ax to the chest 🙁

*sleep well Scatman…..you earned that amazing painting above your bed*

Keep an eye out too for the new documentary Room 237 which explores the different hidden meanings and theories from the Stanley Kubrick movie.  It’s making festival rounds and getting a lot of good buzz, so check it out if you get a chance!