Legendary author Stephen King has delivered his characteristically colourful verdict on the new 'Cape Fear' television series, currently airing on Apple TV+. In a recent social media post, King described the show as "more f***ed up than Peter O’Toole on his birthday," a comment he quickly followed up by assuring fans it was made "with love and admiration."
The series marks the latest adaptation of the enduring revenge narrative, which originated from John D. MacDonald's 1957 novel, 'The Executioners'. The plot centres on the chilling pursuit of sociopathic ex-convict Max Cady, portrayed by Javier Bardem, as he seeks vengeance against the lawyer who previously defended him. The cast also features notable actors Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson.
King’s remarks came as a direct response to fellow author Linwood Barclay, who had expressed his dissatisfaction with the series on social media platform X. Barclay, while acknowledging the show's entertainment value, had criticised its plotting, stating it was "the most sloppily and ridiculously plotted series I have ever watched."
The 'Cape Fear' story has a rich history of adaptation, having first been brought to the big screen in 1962 with a cast including Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum. A critically acclaimed remake followed in 1991, starring Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, and Jessica Lange. King himself is known for frequently sharing his opinions on television and film, often engaging with his vast online following about current popular culture.
Beyond 'Cape Fear', King has recently lauded other Apple TV+ productions, including 'Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed', which he compared favourably to the hit series 'Widow’s Bay'. He praised 'Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed' as if "Hitchcock came back to do it one more time," specifically highlighting Tatiana Maslany's performance for her remarkable emotional range. His engagement with such discussions underscores his continued influence and keen eye on the entertainment landscape.