Stephen King’s 2015 short story “Mister Yummy,” part of the collection *The Bazaar of Bad Dreams*, is moving from page to screen under the direction of Australian filmmaker Ben Young. The project, announced by Deadline, will see Young both write and direct his first feature since the 2016 thriller *Hounds of Love*. Production is being handled by Intrinsic Value Films and Handsome Watson, with a cast yet to be confirmed.

Ben Young attached as director of ‘Mister Yummy’ adaptation

Deadline reports that Ben Young, known for *Hounds of Love*, *Extinction* (2018) and *Devil’s Peak* (2023), will direct the upcoming horror film. Young told the outlet that King was “one of the first authors I ever read religiously,” and he sees the project as “a genuine honour.” He emphasized the story’s blend of horror and humanity, describing it as “creepy, moving,character‑driven.” This is the first feature Young will also write since his 2016 debut, giving him full creative control over the script .

‘Mister Yummy’ originates from King’s 2015 *Bazaar of Bad Dreams* collection

The short story first appeared in the 2015 anthology *The Bazaar of Bad Dreams*, which gathered twenty of King’s tales. It is the sole story from that collection to receive a film treatment so far. The narrative follows elderly Ollie Franklin, a gay man in a retirement home, who befriends fellow resident Dave Calhoun and experiences visions of death personified as the titular Mister Yummy.

Production partners Intrinsic Value Films and Handsome Watson join forces

According to the source, producers Aimee Schoof, Isen Robbins, and Megan Freels Johnston represent Intrinsic Value Films, while Josh Kesselman and Thomas Mahoney are attached from Handsome Watson.. The collaboration signals a modest‑budget approach, typical of recent King adaptations that rely on strong storytelling rather than blockbuster spectacle.

Recent King adaptations set a precedent for ‘Mister Yummy’

King’s short stories have seen a surge in screen versions: *Children of the Corn* (2020), *The Boogeyman* (2023), and *The Monkey* (2025) all received film treatments. television adaptations such as *Chapelwaite* (Epix) and *The Institute* (MGM+) illustrate the author’s cross‑media appeal. The timing of the “Mister Yummy” announcement coincided with the theatrical release of *The Running Man* in the same month, underscoring studios’ appetite for King‑based content.

Will the script preserve the protagonist’s gay backstory?

The source notes that Ollie’s memories include his life as a gay man in the United States, a facet that could be pivotal for the film’s emotional core. It remains unclear whether the screenplay will retain this element or downplay it for broader market appeal. No casting announcements have been made, and the production schedule has not been disclosed.

As the project moves forward, readers should watch for updates on casting, release windows, and whether the film will aim for theatrical distribution or a streaming debut. According to the source, further details will be added as they become available.