- Mike Flanagan adapts Stephen King’s novella into a surreal, emotional journey told in reverse.
- Tom Hiddleston stars as Chuck Krantz, an ordinary man with an extraordinary posthumous presence.
- The trailer reveals themes of memory, mortality, and meaning across three stages of life.
Neon has released the first trailer for The Life of Chuck, offering a haunting and heartfelt look at the latest Stephen King adaptation by Mike Flanagan.
The film’s emotional depth is enhanced by surreal storytelling elements. As the world slowly begins to collapse around Marty (Ejiofor), he’s haunted by signs of Chuck’s legacy — from mysterious billboards to news broadcasts.
Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck Is a Poetic Look at an Ordinary Man’s Extraordinary Farewell
The trailer introduces Chuck Krantz through the eyes of others, as his memory permeates reality. It’s an inventive take on legacy and how we shape the lives of people around us, even after we’re gone. As viewers journey backwards through Chuck’s life, the mystery becomes less about his death and more about how he lived.
Tom Hiddleston appears in his most emotionally complex role yet, moving through time as Chuck with quiet gravitas and warmth. His chemistry with younger cast members, including Jacob Tremblay and Benjamin Pajak, adds authenticity to the film’s multi-generational story arc.
Mark Hamill plays a pivotal role as Chuck’s grandfather, Albie, offering both comic relief and key insights into Chuck’s upbringing. Their bond, filled with strange stories and attic secrets, brings a grounded, familial charm to the otherwise surreal narrative.
Flanagan, long known for blending supernatural chills with psychological realism, directs with a lighter but no less profound touch. With elements of magical realism, The Life of Chuck becomes less a ghost story and more a meditation on memory, connection, and the strange beauty of ordinary lives.
With a June 6, 2025 release date, The Life of Chuck is shaping up to be a uniquely tender Stephen King adaptation — one that trades scares for soul.
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” – Jackie Robinson
