The Stand star compares coronavirus to Stephen King’s post-apocalyptic novel
King, meanwhile, has insisted that ‘coronavirus is NOT like THE STAND’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.James Marsden, the star of the TV adaptation of Stephen King’s The Stand, says shooting the series amid the coronavirus outbreak has been strange.
In The Stand, King’s 1978 post-apocalyptic novel, the world is decimated by an accidental pandemic.
“There are scenes in the beginning of The Stand where as soon as you see someone who looks normal sneeze or cough into their arm, everyone’s eyes in the room darts towards them,” Marsden told Variety and iHeart’s The Big Ticket podcast.
“I see that in public now, and everyone kind of takes a few steps away from the person. It’s crazy. We’re in full panic mode right now.”
Marsden added: “Obviously, no one would ever want to capitalise on something as horrible as this, but it certainly makes it relevant.”
King, however, has sought to limit comparisons between his novel and the current real-life situation.
“No, coronavirus is NOT like THE STAND,” the author tweeted over the weekend.
“It’s not anywhere near as serious. It’s eminently survivable. Keep calm and take all reasonable precautions.”
The Stand is currently still in production and filming in Vancouver. It will air on CBS All Access.
According to the CDC, people should avoid contact with those who are sick, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, stay home when sick, wash their hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds, disinfect surfaces in the household, and cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments