Gaumont Options Stephen King Novella N.

Gaumont has optioned Stephen King’s novella N. and is adapting it as a one-hour scripted drama series, 8.

Adapted from the 54-page novella, the drama series is set in the woods outside of Motton, Maine, where a ring of eight stones imprisons an ancient horror so terrifying that it can drive a person insane. In the summer of 1992, three teenagers faced down this malevolent force and barely escaped with their lives. When the evil returns 25 years later, they are forced to face their own demons and finish what they started.

David F. Sandberg will direct the pilot for the series. 3 Arts Entertainment’s Erwin Stoff has been shepherding the project.

“Stephen King is obviously one of the most successful writers in the world,” commented Gene Stein, the president of television for the U.S. at Gaumont. “We’re thrilled to be working with source material from such a brilliant creative mind, and our talented director and writing team will build on the tension and depth of King’s work to deliver a truly compelling television drama.”

Sandberg said, “I’ve always been a fan of Stephen King, he is horror royalty. So to have the opportunity to direct this project is a dream come true.”

Stoff added, “N. is a deliciously chilling story from the genius mind of Stephen King, and we are thrilled that Gaumont has come aboard this project, with Gene assembling an outstanding writer/director team to create a horror series that is quite likely to provide nightmares for viewers everywhere.”