Stephen King. I guess you could call him a Masters of Horror. His name alone can sell a movie or a TV series. From Brian De Palma’s Carrie in 1976, to TNT’s recent mini-series Nightmares and Dreamscapes, his name can always be found, some way or another, in a new piece of horror entertainment. So, it’s no surprise that two movies based on his work are on the way, is it?

1408, set for release on July 13th from Dimension Films, is based on one of King’s short stories. John Cusack (Identity) play’s Mike Enslin, an author of the paranormal. As research for his latest book, he is determined to check out the notorious room 1408 in a New York City hotel by personally staying as a guest in the fabled room., with the intention that 1408 is just a myth perpetuated by stories and rumour that he has collected for his past works. However, hotel manager Mr. Olin (Samuel L. Jackson; Snakes On A Plane) has strong objections to Enslin's stay and only warns him of possible danger to come. But Enslin is determined to go through and convinced that the horrific past of 1408 is just mere coincidence and a myth. But what Mike is about to experience is no myth, as 1408 truly is a room where the guests don't check out by noon. The film is to be directed by Swedish born Mikael Håfström. No word yet on a UK release date, but check out the trailer below.

Also coming from Dimension Films is The Mist, which is all about a freak storm that unleashes a species of blood-thirsty creatures on a small town, where a small band of citizens hole-up in a supermarket and fight for their lives. Thomas Jane (The Punisher), Laurie Holden (Silent Hill) and Andre Braugher are the only confirmed cast members right now. I did think Laurie Holden was great as Cybil in Silent Hill, so I can’t wait to see what she’s like in this movie. Frank Darabont, who’s directing the film, said in a recent interview, “The Mist ... is going to be a really quick project; it’s very low budget, very fast, not unlike what Danny Boyle did in 28 Days Later, which I found very inspiring in terms of, hell, just go out and make a movie and have fun with it. It'll be a pretty fast and furious narrative, really. And I’m certain the shortest film I’ve made to date." Also, when asked about the involvement of the notorious Weinstein’s, “I think they’re legitimately really super excited about this. Unlike some other folks I have spoken to, they’re really embracing the darker and edgier choices. Bob Weinstein is being tremendously supportive, and that makes me very happy." The film is tentatively set for a November 21st release in America.

Oh, and don’t even get me started on Eli Roth’s upcoming film version of Cell!