Rabid horror fans have something new to sink their teeth into as Netflix gears up for a new adaptation of Cujo, Stephen King’s 1981 novel about a once-gentle Saint Bernard turned deadly menace after contracting rabies. With King’s works enjoying a consistent presence on both the big and small screen, it was only a matter of time before another take on this claustrophobic thriller emerged.
Following in the footsteps of Lewis Teague’s 1983 film, Variety reports that the new Cujo is being produced by Roy Lee, known for his work on Barbarian and Strange Darling. Writers have yet to be attached, but the adaptation has already sparked speculation about how closely it will follow King’s original novel. Teague’s version remained relatively faithful to the source material, though it famously softened the novel’s bleakest twist (Tad Trenton’s death from heatstroke inside his mother’s immobilised car). Given Lee’s track record and Netflix’s willingness to embrace darker storytelling, there’s a chance this new adaptation could restore King’s original, far more tragic conclusion.
The novel follows Donna Trenton and her young son, Tad, who become trapped in their malfunctioning Ford Pinto while a rabies-infected Cujo lurks outside, waiting to strike. What begins as an ordinary trip to get their car repaired turns into a desperate battle for survival as Cujo, once a beloved family pet, succumbs to his illness and transforms into a relentless killing machine. The oppressive heat, Donna’s dwindling strength, and Tad’s worsening condition turn the situation into a psychological and physical nightmare.
While Cujo has long been regarded as one of King’s most straightforward horror stories, a new adaptation has room to explore elements that the 1983 film left out. King’s novel, despite its simplicity, weaves in the tragic downfall of the rabid dog’s psyche, something that could be further examined in a modern adaptation. The new film might also choose to delve deeper into the Trenton family’s struggles before their terrifying ordeal, giving greater weight to the emotional turmoil already present in the novel.
Netflix’s history with King adaptations has been largely successful, with Gerald’s Game, 1922, and In the Tall Grass all drawing praise for their execution. Lee’s involvement suggests a vision that could lean into the raw horror of Cujo, bringing the novel’s unrelenting tension to the screen in a way that fully embraces its grim reality.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
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