Geekery: First Trailer for Stephen King’s ‘The Outsider’ has ‘True Detective’ Vibes
The Outsider – a tale of a gruesome murder in America’s heartland that’s more than it appears to be – is headed to the small screen this January. It’s a small town crime thriller told in a way only King could.
The novel follows the investigation of an eleven-year-old boy that starts as what seems to be an open and shut case…
An eleven-year-old boy’s violated corpse is found in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City’s most popular citizens. He is Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband, and father of two girls. Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but Anderson and the district attorney soon add DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses. Their case seems ironclad. As the investigation expands and horrifying answers begin to emerge, King’s propulsive story kicks into high gear, generating strong tension and almost unbearable suspense. Terry Maitland seems like a nice guy, but is he wearing another face? When the answer comes, it will shock you as only Stephen King can.
King helped write the screenplay. Cast is led by Ben Mendelsohn and Jason Bateman and includes Cynthia Erivo, Bill Camp, Mare Winningham, Paddy Considine, Julianne Nicholson, Yul Vázquez, Jeremy Bobb and Marc Menchaca.
The Outsider premieres on HBO January 12.
