The newest film version of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot debuted on Max on October 3, 2024, offering a fresh take on the beloved tale for contemporary audiences. Adapted from King’s 1975 novel, the storyline centers around a writer who returns to his native town of Jerusalem’s Lot, searching for inspiration for his latest book. What he discovers, however, is far more terrifying—a vampire lurking in the shadows.
This 2024 adaptation reintroduces all the legendary characters from the source material, including Ben Mears, Susan Norton, and Father Callahan. Among the characters, fans are particularly excited to see the vampire Kurt Barlow come to life on screen.
Kurt Barlow is portrayed by Alexander Ward, an actor with a background in the horror genre.
About Alexander Ward as Kurt Barlow in Salem’s Lot
In the new adaptation of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot, Alexander Ward takes on the role of the main antagonist, the vampire Kurt Barlow.
Originating from Sonoma, California, Ward is a 2012 graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts located in Los Angeles.
He previously played a Parisian zombie in the 2013 film World War Z and has since participated in numerous horror productions, including American Horror Story, Army of the Dead, Ghosted, Annabelle Comes Home, and others.
Ward is recognized for his roles in films like Rebel Moon and TV shows such as Westworld. He has also lent his talents to portraying Nosferatu in several episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants.
Character Overview: Who is Kurt Barlow?
Kurt Barlow is a fictional vampire antagonist conceived by Stephen King, central to the plot of Salem’s Lot.
In the narrative, Barlow arrives in Jerusalem’s Lot in 1975, quickly devising a strategy to build his own vampire coven by converting the town’s residents into vampires. He ultimately succeeds, with only a handful of locals managing to evade his clutches.
The specific age of Kurt Barlow remains a mystery, with many suggesting that he predates Christianity.
With the release of Salem’s Lot, Alexander Ward is now the third actor to portray Kurt Barlow, following Reggie Nadler in the 1979 mini-series and Rutger Hauer in the 2004 mini-series.
Overview of the Film
Directed by Gary Dauberman, the 2024 film adaptation of Stephen King’s classic novel features a storyline where a writer returns to Jerusalem’s Lot, only to face the grim reality of a vampire haunting the town. Joining forces with several community members, he resolves to confront this supernatural menace.
The cast includes Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh, Alfre Woodard, John Benjamin Hickey, Bill Camp, and others, and the film is currently available for streaming on Max.
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