Elijah Wood and Stranger Things’ Natalia Dyer check in for Stephen King’s 1408 sequel

If you didn’t have “sequel to a Stephen King ghost story from the noughties” on your cinematic bingo card, surprise: 1408 is getting a follow-up nearly two decades after we last checked out of the Dolphin Hotel, and there’s some properly unexpected casting on the guestbook this time round.

Filming for the 1408 sequel is pencilled in to kick off in early 2027.

Here’s the new pitch: Elijah Wood (yes, Frodo himself) and Natalia Dyer from Stranger Things are both set to feature in this sequel to the 2007 film, which itself was based on Stephen King's short story from the late ’90s. As for the original’s stars—Samuel L. Jackson and John Cusack—they're apparently in serious talks to come back, but don’t get your hopes set on either of them taking centre stage this time. If the early word is to be believed, they'll be in the background this go-around.

The returning team and the mystery plot

There’s a bit of déjà vu in the director’s chair, with Mikael Håfström returning to helm the sequel, just as he did the original—he’ll be co-writing as well, along with Mark Verheiden (the same one with credits on everything from Battlestar Galactica to Swamp Thing). No real idea yet what the plot will be, or whether we’re revisiting room 1408 itself or taking a broader stroll through King’s haunted hotel corridors. For now, character details for Wood and Dyer are being kept tightly under wraps, but early info suggests Wood will take more of a supporting role while Dyer's the likely lead.

The first film and who's back

To jog your memory, 1408 was about Michael Enslin (Cusack), a very Stephen King kind of struggling author who makes his living by debunking supposed haunted locations, until he checks into the infamous room at the Dolphin Hotel where things very obviously are not fine. Samuel L. Jackson starred as the hotel’s manager, desperately trying to warn him off. The original also threw in Mary McCormack, Tony Shalhoub and Len Cariou among familiar faces, though there’s no word so far if any of them are coming back—or if anyone else from the first run is even being considered.

• Elijah Wood and Natalia Dyer will star, with Wood reportedly supporting and Dyer taking the lead
• John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson are in talks for returns, but only in secondary capacities
• Mikael Håfström is back to direct and co-write, joined by Mark Verheiden
• Spyglass, Bluestone, and FilmNation are producing, with Lorenzo di Bonaventura and co. at the helm
• Casting is again being handled by John Papsidera
• No plot or release date yet; production slated for early 2027

Producing duties are going to Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Richard Saperstein, and Frank Mayor, while Spyglass Media Group, Bluestone Entertainment, and FilmNation Entertainment have their hands in the production pie. John Papsidera, who’s just been tapped for Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey adaptation, is on casting.

At this stage, there’s no official word on a release window, nor any indication which King short stories, if any, might make their way into the script. But with this collection of names—and the bizarre thought of Elijah Wood poking about a haunted hotel—you can probably expect the unexpected.