Overview

• The R-rated adaptation is now playing in theaters nationwide following its Sept. 12 wide release from Lionsgate.
• The filmmaker confirms a significant departure from the novel’s ending that reframes the story’s emotional focus, with King signing off on the change.
• Early reception is strong, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting about a 91% critics’ score and praise for Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson’s performances.
• Reviews note the film’s unflinching portrayal of authoritarian spectacle and its intimate emphasis on camaraderie, with production shot chronologically to chart the cast’s physical decline.
• Home release timing has not been announced, but industry tracking suggests a likely PVOD debut roughly three to four weeks after theatrical launch and a first streaming window on STARZ about three-and-a-half to four months later.