In our humble opinion, there hasn’t been a better ghost story or haunted house story adapted from the works of Stephen King than 1408. Sure, plenty of fans will argue that The Shining takes the crown, but we would make the case that the supernatural events surrounding the Overlook Hotel lean more toward psychic abilities than traditional hauntings. As young Danny was told by Dick Hallorann, “They aren’t real, they can’t hurt you.” Well, the horrors waiting behind the door of room 1408 were something else entirely.
Now, nearly 20 years after the original film arrived in theaters, it looks like we’re getting another visit to the Dolphin Hotel. According to an exclusive report from Variety, a sequel to the 2007 supernatural horror film is in development, with original director Mikael Håfström returning behind the camera. Håfström will also co-write the screenplay with Mark Verheiden.
John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson in 1408 (2007)
The new film is bringing some familiar faces back into the picture, with John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson currently in negotiations to reprise their roles as Mike Enslin and Gerald Olin. Both are expected to appear in supporting roles, while Natalia Dyer, best known for playing Nancy Wheeler in STRANGER THINGS, will take the lead. Elijah Wood has also joined the cast in a supporting role. Details about the new characters and story are being kept under wraps.
WATCH THE TRAILER FOR “1408” BELOW
The original 1408 followed Mike Enslin, a writer who investigates supposedly haunted locations for his books. His skepticism is put to the ultimate test when he checks into room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel in New York City, despite the hotel manager’s warnings about the room’s deadly history.
The film became a box office success, earning approximately $132 million worldwide against a reported $25 million production budget. It also gave audiences one of the more memorable psychological horror experiences of the 2000s, complete with an ending that continues to spark debate among fans. The home video release offered several alternate conclusions, leaving viewers with different possibilities for Mike Enslin’s fate. The theatrical ending, however, remains the one many fans remember.
We have to admit, the casting has us interested. With Dyer and Wood joining the project, alongside the possibility of Cusack and Jackson returning, there’s plenty of potential here. Having Håfström back in the director’s chair is another welcome development. The original film delivered an unsettling combination of isolation, psychological torment and supernatural terror that made room 1408 feel like a place nobody should ever want to visit.
Production is currently expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027. No release date or plot details have been announced.
We’ll be keeping an eye on this one. If the sequel can capture even a fraction of the dread and loneliness that made the original so effective, we might have another unforgettable stay at the Dolphin Hotel.
1408 (2007) – 4K UHD + Blu-ray Limited Edition 3D Lenticular Hardcase + Art Cards