Warner Bros. and CBS Films will adapt author Stephen King's 1978 post-apocalyptic horror/fantasy novel "The Stand" as a big screen feature.
The story was previously adapted as a TV miniseries for ABC in 1994.
King's "The Stand", although published in 1978 was later re-released in 1990 as "The Stand: The Complete & Uncut Edition", with King changing the setting of the story from 1980 to 1990.
A graphic novel was also published by Marvel Comics.
Premise of "The Stand" follows a full-scale apocalypse, driven by the accidental release of a biological weapon and the ensuing struggle of good versus evil carried out by the world's final survivors.
The novel is divided into three parts, with the first, titled "Captain Trips" taking place over nineteen days, with the escape and spread of a human-made biological influenza virus known formally as 'Project Blue', aka 'Captain Trips'. The resulting pandemic leads directly to the death of an estimated 99.4% of the world's human population.
King outlines the total breakdown and destruction of society through widespread violence, the failure of martial law to contain the outbreak and the death of virtually the entire population. The human toll is also dealt with, as the few survivors must care for their families and friends, dealing with confusion and grief as their loved ones succumb to the flu.
Marvel Comics continues to adapt "The Stand" into a series of six, 5-issue comic book miniseries, written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and illustrated by Mike Perkins. Colorist Laura Martin, letterer Chris Eliopoulos and cover artist Lee Berjemo are also confirmed to be on the staff.
The first issue of "The Stand: Captain Trips" was released September 10, 2008.Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The Stand"...
