With the Hollywood horror genre being lit up by remakes, sequels and prequels, you know that Stephen King’s movie adaptations are bound to get touched as well. The 1980 Stanley Kubrick hit “The Shining” is an annual Halloween favorite, but even with a TV miniseries, the hotel ghost story can find new life in theaters again.
The problem with creating “The Shining” remake is replacing the star Jack Nicholson. Nicholson mastered the role as he transformed from a loving family man to an ax carrying murderer. His scenes have become cinematic classics, especially the infamous line “Here’s Johnny!”
Possible Replacements
If Nicholson is replaced for a remake, the role should be filled by an A-list star that could draw the same scares and audience. Just like Heath Ledger filled in the role of the The Joker, he could have done the same here if he did not pass away.
Johnny Depp went creepy in “Sweeney Todd” and has the potential to create a horrific performance as long as he does not inject too much comedy in it. Ryan Gosling has been in several thrillers and he has the acting chops to fill the role. He can go from likeable to scary within minutes and that is what the role requires.
“Scream” star Skeet Urlich already honed the role of Johnny when he played Billy in the role and now the older actor can add a more mature performance to the role.
If the movie is remade, the casting news would be the biggest of all. It is a large role to fill and before a scene even hits the screen there will be comparisons to Jack Nicholson.
The Shining Sequel
If there is not a remake, there certainly will be a sequel. Stephen King is currently writing the novel “Dr. Sleep” a sequel to “The Shining” that adds vampires to the mix.
“Dr. Sleep” plot details are fully unknown at this time, but a small cameo from Jack Nicholson in the film version could make “The Shining” cycle complete and provide a nice tie-in to the first film.
While the classic horror film library should be left alone, if they are going to be remade, they should be done with the best efforts put forward.