Darren Aronofsky in talks to direct new adaptation of Stephen King's "Cujo"

Though Netflix's "Cujo" adaptation only got announced last week, the news has already dropped that Aronofsky is discussing directing the project. The Hollywood Reporter piece on the film even mentions expectations that he will meet with writers regarding the screenplay soon. That certainly makes it sound like Aronofsky is in on "Cujo" barring something unforeseen.

This will not be the first adaptation of King's 1981 novel. In 1983 there was a "Cujo" movie starring Dee Wallace. "Cujo" is one of the King stories that makes sense to adapt, and to adapt again. While many of his books are overlong, meandering, and filled with supernatural nonsense he's made up, "Cujo" is super straightforward. A St. Bernard becomes rabid, trapping a mother and her son in a car. The name Cujo has become a cultural touchstone in the intervening years. 

Aronofsky almost exclusively directs dark, often punishing, films, and he is no stranger to horror. His version of "Cujo" could take the story from pulpy to a real bummer, but we shall see. This will not be the director's followup to "The Whale," though. He has a movie called "Caught Stealing" coming out in 2025.