CBS All Access has found its Man in Black for the upcoming limited series based on Stephen King’s “The Stand,” casting “Big Little Lies” and “True Blood” star Alexander Skarsgard as Randall Flagg.
Skarsgard joins a cast that includes Whoopi Goldberg, James Marsden, Amber Heard, Jovan Adepo, Owen Teague, Brad William Henke, Odessa Young and Henry Zaga. Production on the series began on Friday.
“The Stand” takes place in an apocalyptic world, decimated by plague and embroiled in an elemental struggle between good and evil. The fate of mankind rests on the shoulders of the 108-year-old Mother Abagail (Goldberg) and a handful of survivors. Their worst nightmares are embodied in a man with a lethal smile and unspeakable powers: Randall Flagg, the Dark Man.
Flagg is one of the most notable villains in King’s novels, popping up frequently in his works including his “Dark Tower” miniseries (Matthew McConaughey portrayed Flagg in the 2017 film adaptation of “The Dark Tower”). “The Stand” marks the first appearance of Flagg in King’s works.
King himself will pen the finale for the series, which will be something that was not included in his novel. According to CBS All Access, it will provide “a new coda that won’t be found in the book.” The adaptation will be written and directed by Josh Boone, who is best known for directing “The Fault in Our Stars.”
The series will be produced by CBS Television Studios. Boone and Ben Cavell will write and executive produce, with Roy Lee, Jimmy Miller and Richard P. Rubinstein also serving as executive producers. Will Weiske and Miri Yoon are attached as co-executive producers, with Owen King as a producer.