The audience score for the 2024 adaptation of Stephen King’sSalem’s Lothas been unveiled on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Gary Dauberman and starring Lewis Pullman, Mackenzie Leigh, Alfre Woodard, and Bill Camp, the new version of the classic King story was initially slated to release in theaters before plans changed, and the film dropped on Max on October 4.The Stephen King moviereceived mixed reviews from critics, currently sitting at a 48% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 54 reviews.
Now, the audience score for the 2024 movie has been revealed onRotten Tomatoes, and it’sthe second-lowest among allSalem’s Lotadaptations with 41%. The score is not as low as the 24% audience score given to the sequel to the 1979 adaptation,A Return to Salem’s Lot. However,it’s also not as high as the originalSalem’s Lottelevision miniseriesand its 2004 adaptation, which sit at 65% and 48%, respectively. Check out a table that compares the respective critics and audience scores of each adaptation ofSalem’s Lotbelow:
89%
65%
24%
69%
48%
41%
What the Audience Score Means for the 2024 Salem’s Lot Movie
The Film’s Reception Seems Better Than Expected Amidst The Setbacks.
While the overall reception for the 2024 adaptation ofSalem’s Lotis not as positive as other versions of King’s story, it also seemed better than expected on the fate its release received. The movie received numerous setbacks in its production during the COVID-19 pandemic and its release plans. It was initially set to be released on July 28, 2025, but was moved to July 30, 2025.Warner Bros. then replaced the movie’s release withEvil Dead Riseand removed it from the studio’s release calendar altogether, putting it in a state of limbo.
22 Stephen King & Horror Easter Eggs In Salem’s Lot
Max’s new ‘Salem’s Lot adaptation is stuffed full of Stephen King Easter eggs, along with references and other subtle nods to the horror genre.
When the studio ultimately announced thatSalem’s Lotwould be released on Max, many alarm bells went off, signaling that this latest version of one of King’s most popular books might not be very good.But the reception doesn’t seem as disastrous as expected, with some critics and audiences calling it a fun version of the book, with some entertaining scares to keep audiences going. Conversely, othersare not particularly impressed by its lack of thrillsand understand why the movie was quietly released on the streaming service.
The story of’Salem’s Lotwas further expanded by Stephen King in the short storiesJerusalem’s LotandOne for the Road, which are found in his Night Shift collection.
Our Take on the Audience Score for the 2024 Salem’s Lot Movie
Warner Bros. Gave The Movie a Chance
Regardless of the movie’s reception, it seems like one of the few projects in limbo since the takeover of Warner Bros. by David Zaslav that was given a chance in some capacity. The release of films likeBatgirl, Scoob: Holiday Haunt,andCoyote vs. Acmewas controversially canceled, with the latter still fighting for a chance to be seen. Even ifSalem’s Lotwas dropped on the studio’s streaming service, thus hindering any form of theatrical success it might have had, its release still feels like a win for movie fans who wondered if this adaptation would ever see the light of day.
Salem’s Lot
Cast
Salem’s Lot is a 2024 remake of the movie of the same name released in 1979. The latest adaptation of Stephen King’s 1975 novel stars Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh, and Bill Camp, with Gary Dauberman writing and directing the Max original film. The plot revolves around a writer who discovers a vampire in his hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot upon returning home for inspiration.
