Stephen King’s "The Boogeyman" Sets Theatrical Release Date

The film adaptation of Stephen King’s "The Boogeyman" has moved to the big screen from streaming service Hulu ahead of its release.  

The horror thriller is now slated to premiere on June 2.

A test screening prompted Disney arm 20th Century Studios Century executives and producer 21 Laps, the banner behind Stranger Things, to reconsider their release strategy. 

The move also has echoes of what occurred with the 2022's "Smile" which was initially intended for Paramount+, but a strong test screening altered its destiny.

It was theatrically released last fall and became one of the standard-bearers for the latest rise of horror when it grossed over $216 million worldwide.

Filmmaker Rob Savage directed the movie from a screenplay adapted by A Quiet Place scribes Scott Beck and Bryan Woods as well as Mark Heyman.

The movie stars Chris Messina, Sophie Thatcher, Vivien Lyra Blair, David Dastmalchian, Marin Ireland and Madison Hu star, and others.

"Boogeyman" is based on a story featured in King’s 1978 horror anthology, "Night Shift". 

The movie version centers on a 16-year-old and her younger sister, both still reeling from the death of their mother, who are targeted by a supernatural entity after their father, a psychologist, has an encounter with a desperate patient in their house. 

"Boogeyman" was shot in New Orleans in the winter of 2022 and is produced by 21 Laps’ Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, and Dan Cohen.