Who Wrote Shining: The Original Author and Source Material
Stephen King wrote the novel Shining, which was published in 1977. The book established the core story, characters, and horror elements that later defined the film adaptations. King developed the narrative during a stay at the Stanley Hotel in Colorado, drawing on personal experiences with isolation and alcoholism. The novel became a bestseller and remains one of King's most recognized works according to Forbes.
The book's publication history shows that Shining was released by Doubleday in hardcover before moving to paperback editions. King's publisher marketed it as a supernatural horror story centered on a family isolated in a haunted hotel. The manuscript went through multiple drafts, with King refining the psychological tension and the concept of "the shining" as a psychic ability. Sales data and continued print runs confirm the novel's lasting commercial impact.
Who Wrote Shining the Film: Screenwriters and Directors
Stanley Kubrick directed the 1980 film adaptation of Shining and co-wrote the screenplay with Diane Johnson. Their screenplay adapted King's novel into a psychological horror film, altering plot points and character arcs for cinematic effect. Kubrick's version became the most commercially successful adaptation, shaping public perception of the Shining brand per IMDb data.
The screenplay credits list Kubrick and Johnson as the writers for the Warner Bros. release. The production team used King's novel as source material but reworked the third act and several character motivations. Later legal and contractual filings show that Warner Bros. retained distribution and merchandising rights, while King maintained underlying literary rights per SEC filings.
Who Wrote Shining the Recent Adaptations and TV Miniseries
Mike Flanagan wrote and directed the 2016 miniseries Doctor Sleep, which serves as a direct sequel to King's original novel. Flanagan adapted King's 2013 novel Doctor Sleep for the screen, incorporating elements from The Shining while expanding the story for a modern audience. The series was produced for Warner Bros. Television and premiered on FX according to Deadline.
Additional adaptations and stage versions have been developed by different production companies under license from the rights holders. King's publishing contracts and Warner Bros.' film agreements define who controls the Shining IP for new projects. Current rights management structures show that King's estate and Warner Bros. continue to oversee adaptations, with new projects requiring approval from both parties per The Numbers box office data.