For better or worse, Salem’s Lot will not be receiving a theatrical release. The film will instead be released via HBO’s streaming platform Max. Fans have been waiting eagerly on updates regarding the film after it was announced 2019. Since then, the film has faced distribution issues following the merger of Warner Media and Discovery Inc.
Salem’s Lot was originally scheduled to hit theaters shortly after its announcement, but after the merger, that date was moved to April 2023. This was the last official update regarding the film. It was announced by Warner Bros. Discovery today that the film will be releasing on MAX sometime this year.
Some fans may be worried that this transition to streaming may indicate that Salem’s Lot isn’t up to snuff, but Stephen King (IT) doesn’t feel that way. Earlier this year, he made a post on X discussing the film: “Between you and me, Twitter, I’ve seen the new SALEM’S LOT and it’s quite good”. King continued, “Old-school horror filmmaking: slow build, big payoff. Not sure why WB is holding it back; not like it’s embarrassing, or anything. Who knows. I just write the fucking things.”
It isn’t clear yet how this change will Salem’s Lot’s reception. But either way, any news is good news.