Firestarter is an unusual flop for the Stephen King universe

The remake of the classic Stephen King adaptation, Firestarter, bombed at the US box office this weekend, pulling in just $3.8 million. That is less than the original film released in 1984, which drew $4.7 million for its opening ($13 million when adjusted for inflation). 

Universal Pictures distributed the film and it was produced by Blumhouse, the horror-focused studio known for delivering big returns on small budgets via films like Get Out, The Purge, and Paranormal Activity. Given its big studio distribution, the hit-making expertise of Blumhouse, and the usually reliable popularity of King’s characters, Firestarter’s misfire is striking. 

When Drew Barrymore took on the role as a child—her second leading role ever—alongside Martin Sheen and George C. Scott, the film quickly became a cult classic among the many King adaptations. However, that pedigree couldn’t save what critics and moviegoers alike have largely deemed a dud. 

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