The Origins of Misery

Stephen King, one of the most prolific and celebrated authors of modern horror and suspense, has written over 50 novels and countless short stories, many of which have been adapted for film and stage. Misery, his twenty-third published novel, was released in 1987 and quickly became a best-seller. Its gripping story of obsession and captivity inspired a 1990 film adaptation, directed by Rob Reiner, and later a stage adaptation by William Goldman, proving the story’s enduring impact across media.

The Plot of Misery

Misery tells the story of Paul Sheldon, a famous novelist who crashes his car on a snowy Colorado road. He is rescued by Annie Wilkes, a reclusive former nurse and his self-proclaimed “number one fan.” At first, Paul is grateful, but when Annie reads his latest manuscript and discovers he has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain, her admiration turns into unhinged fury. Trapped in her isolated home and reliant on her care, Paul must find a way to outwit Annie before her obsession destroys him.

Movie Production and Cast Highlights

The film adaptation of Misery was released in 1990, directed by Rob Reiner and written by William Goldman. James Caan starred as Paul Sheldon, and Kathy Bates delivered a career-defining performance as Annie Wilkes. Interestingly, Jack Nicholson was initially offered the role of Paul but turned it down after his difficult experience filming another King adaptation, The Shining. Bette Midler also declined the role of Annie, later admitting regret. Stephen King, protective of his work, agreed to sell the rights only if Reiner directed or produced the film. Reiner cited Alfred Hitchcock as a key influence on the film’s tense, psychological tone.

Reception and Rewards

The movie was both a critical and commercial success, grossing over $60 million worldwide and cementing itself as a classic in the thriller genre. Kathy Bates’ chilling portrayal of Annie Wilkes earned her the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Actress, making her the first woman to win an Oscar for a horror role. The film has since remained a touchstone in pop culture, with Annie Wilkes often ranked among Stephen King’s greatest and most terrifying characters.

Adapting the Story

Adapting Stephen King’s story from novel to film, then to the stage, William Goldman had to approach the same material with new eyes each time.  As the screenwriter of the 1990 film, Goldman’s task was to compress King’s psychological tension into a cinematic framework, shaping the story with visual suspense, Hitchcock-inspired pacing, and the intimacy of close-ups that revealed Annie’s menace and Paul’s desperation. Nearly three decades later, when adapting the story for the stage, Goldman faced a different challenge, distilling Misery into a confined, live environment where tension must build through dialogue, performance, and the immediacy of shared space with a live audience. Unlike the novel, which allows readers access to Paul’s inner thoughts, or the film, which leans on cinematic technique, the stage adaptation places a strong dynamic between two actors locked in a battle of wills.

From Screen to Stage

Two decades after the film, William Goldman adapted Misery for the stage. It premiered in 2012 and made its way to Broadway in 2015. The adaptation, featuring Laurie Metcalf and Bruce Willis was met with tepid review from the likes of The New York Times. Fortunately for Goldman, his play was met with more success on Broadway than Carrie: The Musical (1988), which was notorious for being the biggest Broadway flop until Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark (2011).

From page to screen, Misery has proven itself a timeless story of psychological suspense and the dark side of fandom and obsession. Decades later, the story continues to haunt audiences and solidifies Stephen King’s reputation as a master of modern horror, no matter the medium.