Overview

• Kathy Bates and director Rob Reiner reunited at the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival to celebrate Misery's 35th anniversary.
• Bates revealed she was 'crushed' when the film omitted the novel's more graphic elements, including a pivotal foot amputation scene.
• Reiner defended the decision, explaining it was made to balance audience accessibility and narrative tone.
• Bates reflected on her initial fears that the role might end her career, which ultimately led to her historic Oscar win—the only one for a Stephen King adaptation.
• She described Annie Wilkes as the character closest to her real personality, underscoring the role's enduring impact on her career and identity.