Horror Pope Stephen King is known for having certain characters, places and events appear again and again in his books – in his own Stephen King universe, so to speak. One character has recently become so fond of him that he has now made her the main character of his latest novel: Holly Gibney, who initially appeared as a character in ‘Mr. Mercedes’ novels about Bill Hodges and was subsequently allowed to investigate in ‘The Outsider’ and in a short story in the collection ‘Blutige Nachrichten’.
In 2023, Holly Gibney became the main character in Stephen King’s novel “Holly“ – and now a series adaptation of the story is already in the works. Director and producer Jack Bender, who has already been responsible for several King film adaptations, spoke about this during the Q&A of Chicago’s Printers Row Lit Fest 2023 (via ) – and that even a few months ago. However, the statement has only now received a greater response in the media.
“Holly”: Who will star?
Bender is a definite Stephen King veteran and even originated the character of Holly Gibney, as Bender is also behind the series adaptations of “Mr. Mercedes” and “The Outsider” previously worked on King’s “Under The Dome” adaptation and also has a producer credit on the mystery superseries “Lost” on his resume.
The big question now is: will Holly Gibney in the ‘Holly’ series also be played by one of the two actresses who have already played her? Interestingly enough, these have been two different people so far: In “Mr. Mercedes” Holly is played by Justine Lupe (“Succession”), in “The Outsider” by Cynthia Erivo (“Widows”). Or will a third actress take on this role in ‘Holly’?
Before “Holly” comes “The Institute”
However, it may take some time before all these questions are answered. Because Jack Bender himself called the ‘Holly’ project “unannounced” – and there has been no official announcement since his statement in September 2023. However, this is probably only a matter of time, as King’s works are actually largely being produced as films or series executed. For example, the adaptation of ‘The Institute’ is currently on hold – and the busy Jack Bender also has that on his list!
In ‘Holly’, private investigator Holly Gibney takes on a case for her agency Finders Keepers that the police don’t seem all that interested in. A mother desperately asks Holly for help during the COVID-19 pandemic, as her daughter Bonnie disappeared a few weeks ago. Her research leads Holly to an academic environment involving a nutritionist and possible cannibalism…