Locke & Key adaptation not moving forward at Hulu
Locke & Key is once again not moving past the pilot stage in the second attempt to adapt the series.
Hulu has officially passed on the graphic novel adaption despite the massive fan following for the series. Things are definitely looking bleak for fans who have been waiting to see their favorite story finally come to fruition.
The comic books were originally written by Stephen King’s son, Joe Hill, and illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez. They have become increasingly popular over the years, cultivating a cult following. A few years ago, FOX attempted to adapt the series to television but ultimately abandoned the project after the pilot.
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However, Hulu seemed intent on creating the show and once production started it felt like it was guaranteed a series order.
Despite having multiple backup scripts, a terrific ensemble, and a major director, the project has ultimately been dropped. Actress Samantha Mathis recently confirmed the show’s fate during an interview with Cultured Vultures for her upcoming movie.
"“I did a pilot for Hulu called Locke and Key but it didn’t get picked up by Hulu. It’s getting shopped around to Amazon and Netflix and Apple and everyone right now. Who knows, maybe that will end up some place.”"
News that it’s getting shopped around offers a glimmer of hope for Locke & Key fans. The project is directed by It‘s Andy Muschietti, so there’s definitely big enough talent to draw attention.
Unfortunately, Deadline confirmed there are no prospective buyers currently interested at the moment.
A big problem with adapting the series is trying to find the right balance between the tones. It’s an incredibly violent story that involves children. Yes, It was a major success but how many television viewers are interested in watching a Lovecraft-like story involving kids?
Right now it feels like no network wants to take a chance on the series compared to other horror adaptions.
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Yet, Locke & Key is still enormously popular with readers today. With passionate fans, anything can happen. Even Mathis notes in her interview how beloved the story is, so anything could happen.
With upfronts coming up in May, fans will hear more about the possibility of the show hitting another streaming service.