Darren Aronofsky in Talks to Direct Upcoming ‘Cujo’ Film

Darren Aronofsky Takes on Stephen King’s Cujo

Renowned filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, known for his critically acclaimed works such as Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, and The Whale, is reportedly in negotiations to direct a film adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic novel Cujo for Netflix.

This project was just announced last week, yet it seems to be progressing rapidly, potentially indicating that it is on a fast track to production.

Production duties will be handled by Roy Lee, who has previously proven his expertise in bringing Stephen King’s works to life through successful adaptations like the It films and Salem’s Lot. Although a screenwriter has not yet been attached to the project, Aronofsky is actively meeting with potential candidates.

The Story Behind Cujo

The original 1981 novel tells the harrowing tale of a lovable St. Bernard named Cujo, whose fate takes a dark turn after being bitten by a bat, transforming him into a terrifying threat. The narrative revolves around a mother and her son, who find themselves trapped in a disabled car outside a mechanic’s garage, an intense scenario that was previously brought to life in the 1983 film adaptation directed by Lewis Teague. Over time, both the book and film have woven themselves into the fabric of pop culture, with ‘Cujo’ often being referenced to describe any dangerous, aggressive dog.

Aronofsky’s Connection to Horror

Though Aronofsky is typically regarded as a creator of artistically driven films, he has shown a persistent interest in the horror genre, particularly psychological horror. Notable examples include Black Swan, which garnered five Academy Award nominations, and Mother!, featuring Jennifer Lawrence. In the early 2000s, he even worked on a proposed adaptation of Batman: Year One, although that project ultimately did not materialize.

Currently, Aronofsky is in post-production on Caught Stealing, a crime drama featuring Austin Butler and Zoe Kravitz, which is set to be released by Sony on August 29. His most recent film, The Whale, directed in 2022, earned Brendan Fraser an Oscar for Best Actor.

For representation, Aronofsky is currently signed with CAA and Goodman Genow.

To stay updated on this exciting development, continue following our coverage and check for news as the project evolves.

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