Searchlight is developing a film adaptation of Stephen King’s 1996 horror novel *Desperation*, with directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein in talks to helm it. The project brings King together with producer Sam Raimi for the first time, pairing two major horror figures as studios continue to pursue adaptations of King’s work.

Ryan Brennan is writing the screenplay, which follows travellers trapped in an isolated desert town after encountering a sadistic, possessed police officer. Raimi and Ghost House Pictures partner Robert Tapert will produce, while Lipovsky and Stein will also produce; the directors gained wider attention after the success of *Final Destination: Bloodlines* and have several other projects in development.