- Research suggests Cujo (2025) is in development at Netflix, with a possible 2025 release, but no specific date is confirmed.
- It seems likely that Darren Aronofsky will direct, and Roy Lee is producing, though details are still emerging.
- The evidence leans toward the dog’s breed being changed to an American Pit Bull Terrier, adding a modern twist.
- There is uncertainty, as the project is in early stages with no cast announced yet, and release could be later in 2025 or beyond.
Background
A new adaptation of Stephen King’s 1981 novel Cujo is being developed, following the 1983 film. This remake aims to bring a fresh take to the horror story of a rabid dog terrorizing a small town.
Development Status
As of April 2025, the film is in early development at Netflix, announced in March 2025. It’s still in the script phase, with financing and casting underway, suggesting a release later this year or possibly 2026.
Key Changes
Notably, the dog’s breed has been changed from a Saint Bernard to an American Pit Bull Terrier, possibly to comment on contemporary issues around certain dog breeds.
Cast and Crew
Darren Aronofsky is in talks to direct, and Roy Lee, known for horror hits, is producing. No cast has been announced yet.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Cujo (2025)
This section provides a comprehensive overview of the current status, development, and potential details of the 2025 Cujo remake, based on available information as of April 23, 2025. The analysis aims to address the user’s query by synthesizing data from various sources, including news articles, movie databases, and official announcements, to offer a detailed picture of the film’s progress.
Background and Franchise Context
Cujo is based on Stephen King’s 1981 novel of the same name, which was previously adapted into a 1983 horror film directed by Lewis Teague, starring Dee Wallace and Danny Pintauro. The story follows a once-friendly St. Bernard, Cujo, who becomes rabid after being bitten by a bat and terrorizes a small town, trapping a mother and son in their car. The 1983 film, while a modest success, has gained a cult following over the years. The new adaptation, announced in March 2025, is a remake intended for Netflix, continuing the trend of revisiting King’s works for modern audiences.
Current Status and Development
As of April 23, 2025, research suggests that the Cujo remake is in development at Netflix, with the announcement made on March 11, 2025, as reported by Deadline (Stephen King’s ‘Cujo’ Getting New Movie At Netflix). Roy Lee, known for producing horror films like Barbarian and It, is attached as producer. By March 18, 2025, Variety reported that Darren Aronofsky, acclaimed for films like Black Swan and The Whale, is in talks to direct (Darren Aronofsky in Talks to Direct Netflix’s ‘Cujo’). However, the project remains in its early stages, with no specific release date confirmed beyond 2025. According to Movie Insider, as of March 22, 2025, the film is in development, with the story rights acquired and the script being crafted, while financing and casting attachments are being sought (Everything You Need to Know About Cujo Movie (Development)).
Given the current date, April 2025, and the lack of recent box office or review data, it seems likely that the film has not yet been released and may be scheduled for later in the year. The evidence leans toward a later 2025 release or possibly 2026, considering the typical timeline for film development.
Key Changes and Plot
One notable change in this adaptation is the dog’s breed. While the novel and 1983 film feature Cujo as a Saint Bernard, sources like the Idea Wiki (though not a reliable source, it reflects fan speculation) and mentions in news articles suggest the new film will feature an American Pit Bull Terrier. This change is noted as a way to comment on the controversial status of Pit Bulls as pets, adding a modern social layer to the horror narrative (Cujo (2024 film) | Idea Wiki | Fandom). The plot is expected to follow the core story of a rabid dog terrorizing a small town, with a mother and son trapped in their car, but specific details are not yet available.
Cast and Crew
As of the latest updates, no cast has been announced for the remake. The original 1983 film featured Dee Wallace as Donna Trenton and Danny Pintauro as Tad Trenton, but it is unclear if the new adaptation will follow a similar casting approach. Darren Aronofsky’s potential involvement would mark his first feature for a streaming service, adding significant artistic weight to the project. Roy Lee’s production credits, including multiple Stephen King adaptations like It and Doctor Sleep, suggest a strong horror pedigree for the film.
Production and Development History
The development of the Cujo remake has been relatively recent, with the Netflix announcement in March 2025. Prior attempts to remake the film include a 2015 announcement by Sunn Classic Pictures for a project titled C.U.J.O. (Canine Unit Joint Operations), but that effort did not materialize, as noted on Wikipedia (Cujo – Wikipedia). The current project is part of Netflix’s ongoing interest in Stephen King adaptations, following releases like Gerald’s Game and 1922. The timeline suggests that, given the early development status, production may not begin until later in 2025, with a release potentially in late 2025 or 2026.
Analysis of Sources and Reliability
The information gathered includes news articles from reputable sources like Deadline, Variety, and Movie Insider, which provide recent updates on the project’s development. Wikipedia entries for Cujo and the 1983 film also mention the remake, though they are less detailed on current status. The Idea Wiki entry, while not reliable, reflects fan speculation about the breed change, which aligns with mentions in news articles. The lack of an IMDb page for the 2025 remake and the absence of recent updates beyond March 2025 highlight the uncertainty, with some sources suggesting ongoing development and others noting the early stage.
Table: Summary of Key Information
Below is a table summarizing the critical details from the analysis:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | In development at Netflix, announced March 2025, early script phase |
| Expected Director | Darren Aronofsky (in talks), Roy Lee producing |
| Release Year | 2025 (speculative, likely later in year or 2026) |
| Key Change | Dog’s breed changed to American Pit Bull Terrier from Saint Bernard |
| Cast | No cast announced yet |
| Development History | Announced March 2025, previous 2015 attempt by Sunn Classic Pictures failed |
Conclusion
In summary, as of April 23, 2025, the Cujo remake is in early development at Netflix, with Darren Aronofsky potentially directing and Roy Lee producing. The film is slated for a 2025 release, but no specific date is confirmed, and it may be released later in the year or in 2026. The dog’s breed has been changed to an American Pit Bull Terrier, adding a modern twist, but no cast has been announced. The project continues the trend of adapting Stephen King’s works, with uncertainty around its timeline and details, requiring further announcements for clarity.