A new adaptation of “Hansel and Gretel” is set to unite the unique talents of two notable figures in the literature world: Stephen King and the late Maurice Sendak.
HarperCollins Publishers recently revealed that this collaboration, which reinterprets the beloved Brothers Grimm story of two children lost in a treacherous forest, will be released on September 2. King’s narrative will be paired with illustrations previously created by Sendak for set and costume designs in a 1997 opera rendition of the tale composed by Engelbert Humperdinck.
The project was initiated by the Maurice Sendak Foundation, and King, known for his legendary works like “The Shining” and “Carrie,” was drawn to participate after encountering Sendak’s artwork. “There were two illustrations that particularly caught my attention: one featured the wicked witch flying on her broom, with a bag of kidnapped children behind her, while the other depicted the infamous candy house morphing into a terrifying face. I felt compelled to write after seeing these images!” King stated in a message released through HarperCollins.
He elaborated on the deeper meaning he perceives in the tale, emphasizing that it encapsulates a classic fairy tale motif: a cheerful exterior masking a dark and sinister core, and courageous children at its center. “I’ve often explored the stories of children like Hansel and Gretel throughout my writing career,” he remarked.
Despite his admiration for Sendak’s work, King’s representatives have noted that he does not recall ever meeting him, although King has praised the musical “Really Rosie,” a collaboration between Sendak and Carole King.
Lynn Caponera, executive director of the Sendak Foundation, expressed her belief that King was an excellent choice for this project, given his mastery in crafting chilling narratives. She stated that besides the Grimms, “he’s the master of scary stories and a wonderful writer to boot.”
Sendak, who passed away in 2012, had discussed “Hansel and Gretel” during his development of the opera. In a reflection from the 2003 volume “The Art of Maurice Sendak,” he described the story as “the most profound” of the Grimms’ tales.
“Generally, much of Grimm revolves around heroic children, but ‘Hansel and Gretel’ represent the epitome of heroism,” said Sendak, famed for creating beloved children’s literature such as “Where the Wild Things Are” and “In the Night Kitchen.” “The narrative is incredibly tough, and while it elicits fear, its notoriety stems from its honesty.”
This article has been updated to state the release date as September 2.
