The Life of Chuck: From Stephen King's Story to Mike Flanagan's Film
Stephen King's story that inspired Mike Flanagan's film.
The Life of Chuck, the new film directed by Mike Flanagan and starring Tom Hiddleston and Mark Hamill, brings one of the most unusual and fascinating stories ever written by Stephen King to the big screen. Before arriving in cinemas, Charles “Chuck” Krantz’s story had already appeared in 2020 within the collection If It Bleeds.
It’s a story distinguished by its atypical structure and intense emotional impact, intertwining cosmic catastrophes, profound reflections on existence, and fragments of intimate daily life.
»» Click here to purchase If It Bleeds (with The Life of Chuck) on Amazon
»» Click here to purchase If It Bleeds (with The Life of Chuck) on Amazon in Kindle format
The Life of Chuck, the book the film is based on
The Life of Chuck is the second of the four novellas collected in If It Bleeds, published in the United States in April 2020 and arriving in Italy the following month. The volume, which marked Stephen King's return five years after The Bazaar of Bad Dreams, includes four new stories: Mr. Harrigan's Phone, The Life of Chuck, If It Bleeds, and Rat.
While the other stories move between horror, noir, and mystery, The Life of Chuck surprises with its unique narrative structure. King articulates it in three acts told in reverse: from the end to the protagonist's childhood. This choice overturns the traditional perspective and invites the reader to reflect on the meaning of life, the value of memories, and the “multitudes” within each person. If It Bleeds is also available on Amazon.
»» Click here to purchase If It Bleeds (with The Life of Chuck) on Amazon
»» Click here to purchase If It Bleeds (with The Life of Chuck) on Amazon in Kindle format
The Plot of The Life of Chuck: What is it about?
The story recounts the life of Chuck Krantz, a seemingly ordinary banker who, in reality, hides a deep and mysterious connection to the very destiny of the universe.
Did you know? Stephen King's new novel was released in May 2025. Discover all the details and curiosities in our article.