Cujo (2024 film)

Cujo is an upcoming American horror film based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King, and serves as a remake of the 1983 film adaptation. Directed by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman, the film follows the events following the titular dog's infection of rabies that eventually leads to a mother and son fortifying in their car upon encountering him. Unlike the novel and its previous film adaptation, the dog's breed was changed from a Saint Bernard to an American Pit Bull Terrier to provide commentary on its controversial status as a pet. Zoe Kazan, Toby Kebbell, and Mark Rylance star in the film. The film will be released on September 18, 2024, by Universal Pictures.

Premise
Cujo had always been a good dog, and was never as dangerous as others thought of him. He loves and is loved by his owner, and enjoys frolicking around the auto repair shop his owner works. That is until one day, the pit bull gets bitten by an infected bat and receives a bad case of rabies. In a shot period of time, the dog's condition would get worse and he will go on a bloodthirsty rampage. Meanwhile, a single mother trying to balance her parental duties and rough dating life is destined to cross paths with Cujo as her car begins malfunctioning.

Cast

 * Zoe Kazan as Donna Trenton
 * Toby Kebbell as Steve Kemp
 * Mark Rylance as Joe Camber

Production
In July 2015, a remake of Cujo (1983), adapted from Stephen King's eponymous 1981 novel, was announced to have entered development, titled C.U.J.O.: Canine Unit Joint Operations, for Sunn Classic Pictures. The project was silently scrapped.

In June 2023, Universal Studios acquired the film rights to King's novel, with Steven Spielberg expressing interest to direct a horror. The following month, Spielberg was confirmed to direct and produce, and bring much of his previous crew collaborators; Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman were hired to pen the script, Trevor Macy joined as producer after previously working on the film adaptation of King's Doctor Sleep.

In October 2023, Zoe Kazan, Toby Kebbell, and frequent Spielberg collaborator Mark Rylance were cast in the film.

Release
Cujo will be released theatrically in the United States by Universal Pictures on September 18, 2024; the source material's 43rd anniversary.