King Sized: A Moving Panels Special

Episode 7: Misery

Some stories about horror are really stories about survival. In this episode of King Sized, we examine Misery, the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s chilling novel about obsession, control, and the terrifying cost of dependence. Anchored by Kathy Bates’ Oscar-winning performance as Annie Wilkes and James Caan’s desperate fight for survival as Paul Sheldon, Misery stands as one of the most acclaimed Stephen King adaptations ever made. But beneath the suspense and psychological terror lies something deeply personal. Stephen King has said that Annie Wilkes represents the addiction that once controlled his life, turning this story into more than just a thriller—it becomes a haunting metaphor for dependency, creativity, and the struggle to reclaim control. We break down the film’s emotional impact, its faithfulness to King’s novel, unforgettable performances, and whether it truly captures that unmistakable King-ness. Because sometimes the scariest monsters aren’t supernatural—they’re the ones that refuse to let you go. #StephenKing #Misery #KingSizedPodcast

Episode 6: A Good Marriage

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend than a Stephen King story about marriage, secrets, and serial killers? In this episode of King Sized, Laramy is joined by his wife Bethany to discuss A Good Marriage, a chilling adaptation inspired in part by the real-life BTK killer. Releasing on Friday the 13th, just one day before Valentine’s Day, this episode leans into the dark irony of love, trust, and what happens when the person you know best turns out to be the most dangerous. We break down the novella versus the film, explore the real-world inspirations behind the story, connect it to other Stephen King works, and ask the uncomfortable question at the heart of it all: how well can you ever truly know someone? Marriage has never been scarier — and it’s unmistakably King Sized.

Episode 5: IT (1990)

Grab your red balloon and head to Derry — on this episode of King Sized, Laramy and cohost Tim Williams dive into Stephen King’s IT (1990). From Tim Curry’s unforgettable Pennywise to the cosmic horror beneath the sewers, we explore why this TV miniseries still sends chills down spines decades later. We’ll compare King’s massive novel to its small-screen adaptation, discuss the cast, the fears that made clowns terrifying forever, and even tackle the story’s most controversial moments. Float with us as we find out what makes this adaptation truly… King Sized.

Episode 4: The Shawshank Redemption

🎙️ The Shawshank Redemption (1994) is one of the most beloved film adaptations of all time—but how does it stack up against Stephen King’s original novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption? In this episode of King Sized, Laramy Wells is joined by Bethany Wells and Nicholas Pepin (Pop Culture Roulette) to dig into the similarities, the changes, and the legacy of this classic. We’ll talk about Frank Darabont’s direction, Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman’s iconic performances, the story’s themes of hope and freedom, and why this film—once overlooked at the Oscars—became one of the most enduring favorites in cinema history. Is Shawshank King’s greatest adaptation? Let’s find out.

Episode 3: Maximum Overdrive

What happens when the machines don’t just malfunction—but turn murderous? In this episode of King-Sized, Laramy is joined by Tim Williams (of the 80s Flick Flashback podcast) to dive into Maximum Overdrive, the 1986 film written and directed by Stephen King, based on his short story Trucks. From rampaging big rigs to killer kitchen appliances—and that unforgettable Green Goblin-faced truck—they explore how the film compares to the original story, what led King to take the director’s chair, and how this wild ride has carved out its own place in cult movie history. Should you read it, watch it, or skip it altogether? Strap in—this one’s definitely King-Sized.