Tod Williams Named as Stephen King's 'Cell' Director

Stephen King is set to see another one of his novels adapted for the silver screen — this time being his bestselling novel Cell, which has finally claimed a director in Tod Williams.

A recent report from Total Film has named Tod Williams as Cell‘s helmer, the man responsible for 2004’s under the radar (and under appreciated) The Door in the Floor and 2010’s Paranormal Activity 2. The studio backing Cell apparently saw Tod Williams’ take on the horror genre as something to be desired.

Luckily, he’ll have one of the best horror oriented minds to draw from in Stephen King. King has really created his own brand of horror fiction that stems from science fiction, thus creating a more involved narrative and worthwhile storyline. Cell focuses on Clayton Ridell, a technophobe who’s fears are confirmed when the world’s cellular phone users are sent into a blind murderous rage when hearing something known only as “The Pulse.”

Tod Williams will also have the likes of John Cusack to work with, as the always marketable star was cast in November. Cusack has already worked in the King adaptation 1408, so the territory will be somewhat familiar. He’s also proved in last year’s The Paperboy that he still has plenty of ability to display for audiences in spite of such disasters as 2012 and The Raven.

Tod Williams’ appointment and John Cusack’s casting means nothing but momentum for Cell. The Adam Alleca script is in place, the director finally has a name on his chair, and Cusack will in no doubt be recommending and calling up co-stars. While no specific date has been named quite yet, we expect Cell to go into production fairly soon. Be sure to check back for updates.

 

Back to top