Filming for Salem’s Lot is underway, and with that has come the announcement of its newest cast member. On Twitter yesterday, actor William Sadler announced that he has joined the cast and has started filming.
Sadler is a prolific actor, appearing in genre films, television series, and even Tony Award-winning plays such as Biloxi Blues. Most notably, he’s known for his performances in Die Hard 2, The Shawshank Redemption, and Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight. He also plays the Grim Reaper in Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey. Sadler’s performance style is versatile, allowing him to play both villains and endearing characters alike.
He hasn’t yet revealed which character he’ll be playing.
Salem’s Lost follows writer Ben Mears who has just returned home to the small Maine town of Jerusalem’s Lot as an ancient vampire begins terrorizing its citizens. He must try and find the bloodsucker to save the town. Stephen King published the novel in 1975 and it became his first #1 novel on The New York Times Bestsellers List. It’s been adapted as a miniseries twice, first in 1979 by Tobe Hooper, and again in 2004 by Mikael Salomon.
Previous casting announcements have revealed Lewis Pullman in the starring role of Ben Mears. He previously appeared in Bad Times at the El Royale and The Strangers: Prey at Night. He’s also slated to play Tom Cruise’s protege in the upcoming Mission Impossible: Maverick. Sandler and Pullman will appear alongside Makenzie Leigh, Bill Camp, and Spencer Treat Clark.
Gary Dauberman, who wrote It: Chapter Two and the Annabelle series, is taking the director’s chair in Salem’s Lot. James Wan of The Conjuring fame is producing the film alongside Mark Wolper and Roy Lee.