The eerie town of Jerusalem’s Lot comes back to life in 2024 as Salem’s Lot, Stephen King’s classic vampire tale, gets a fresh adaptation. Directed by Gary Dauberman, known for his work on Annabelle Comes Home and IT, this new version of Salem’s Lot weaves together the familiar elements of horror with a stellar cast of seasoned actors. Streaming exclusively on Max, this film plunges into the supernatural horrors hidden in the small town as a writer returns home, only to find something sinister lurking beneath the surface.
Here’s a rundown of the cast and the characters they bring to life in this chilling adaptation:
Salem’s Lot Main Cast & Characters
Lewis Pullman as Ben Mears
At the heart of the story is Ben Mears, portrayed by Lewis Pullman. Ben, a writer, returns to Jerusalem’s Lot, hoping to gather inspiration for his next novel. Instead, he discovers his hometown is being overrun by vampires. Pullman, known for his role as Lt. Bob Floyd in Top Gun: Maverick, also appeared in Bad Times at the El Royale and Apple TV+’s Lessons in Chemistry.
Makenzie Leigh as Susan Norton
Makenzie Leigh plays Susan Norton, a hometown girl and Ben’s love interest. With a history in films like Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk and appearances in TV series like Gotham and The Knick, Leigh embodies the character who becomes intertwined in the town’s dark fate.
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Alfre Woodard as Dr. Cody
The talented Alfre Woodard, a four-time Emmy winner, takes on the role of Dr. Cody, a key figure trying to help the town fight against the growing vampire threat. Woodard has a rich filmography, including 12 Years a Slave and Star Trek: First Contact, and previously appeared in Annabelle.
Bill Camp as Matt Burke
Bill Camp steps into the shoes of Matt Burke, a schoolteacher who becomes an ally to Ben Mears in unraveling the mystery of the vampire infestation. Known for his roles in The Queen’s Gambit, The Night Of, and Joker, Camp brings depth to the character, balancing intellect with fear.
Pilou Asbæk as Richard Straker
Every good horror needs a menacing villain, and Pilou Asbæk delivers as Richard Straker, the human servant of the vampire Kurt Barlow. Asbæk, famous for his portrayal of Euron Greyjoy in Game of Thrones, adds a chilling presence to the role, making Straker both sinister and cunning.
John Benjamin Hickey as Father Callahan
John Benjamin Hickey, a Tony Award-winning actor, plays Father Don Callahan, a troubled priest drawn into the battle against the vampires. Hickey is well known for roles in Flags of Our Fathers and the Gossip Girl revival, bringing a deep emotional range to the haunted priest.
Jordan Preston Carter as Mark Petrie
Jordan Preston Carter portrays Mark Petrie, a young horror fanatic whose knowledge of vampires becomes crucial in fighting the town’s undead invaders. Carter has made a mark in productions like Shaft and Ms. Marvel, and his role in Salem’s Lot adds youthful bravery to the story.
Salem’s Lot Supporting Cast:
- Nicholas Crovetti as Danny Glick, one of the town’s first victims.
- Spencer Treat Clark as Mike Ryerson, another of the early victims.
- William Sadler as Parkins Gillespie, the town constable.
- Pilou Asbæk as R.T. Straker, the darkly mysterious right-hand man to the vampire Kurt Barlow.
- Debra Christofferson as Ann Norton, Susan’s mother.
