Ben Affleck To Direct 'The Stand'?

Ben Affleck Directs THE STAND?

Nordling here.

If this is true, I think it's a terrific choice. Ben Affleck looks to be Warner Brothers' choice to bring the Stephen King adaptation of THE STAND to the screen. What this means for David Yates and Steve Kloves is unclear, as they were at one point going to do the film (or series of films). I like Yates as a director but Affleck has proven that he can work with an ensemble as well, and direct riveting thillers and action sequences. This is a tough choice between the two as far as directors go, but I think Affleck has a better affinity with actors, judging from the films he's made so far.

I wonder if this opens up different ideas for casting as well, or if Affleck would bring in actors that he's worked with before. Jon Hamm would make a very interesting Randall Flagg, or Jeremy Renner a good Stu Redman. Or perhaps Affleck himself would play one of the roles. I think the jury's in at this point about Affleck, as a writer, director, and actor - he has the goods to bring this sprawling epic to the screen. It all comes down to the casting and the script, but Ben Affleck, for now, looks to be the man who will bring The Walking Dude to the screen.

Nordling, out.