Barlow or Bust – Why William Sadler Should be Mr Barlow!
With a huge list of stars being added to the line of the new Salem’s Lot movie recently, one name that slipped under the radar was that of character actor William Sadler, who let slip his involvement in a tweet.
Barlow or Bust!!!!!
— Horror Land (@HorrorHello) September 12, 2021
Sadler has always had amazing roles throughout his career, whether that’s playing the president of the United States in Iron Man 3, or crazed renegade colonel in Die Hard 2, but his extremely clever casting choices often become the sums of a much bigger part. For example, Saddlers work in Tales from the Crypt is iconic to the series. He appeared in the very first episode called “The Man Who Was Death”, and also in the very first feature film Demon Knight. Whilst these were leading roles, Sadler returned for cameos seasons 6’s “The Assassin”; reprising his role as the Grim Reaper from Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, and also as playful Mummy in the 2nd film Bordello of Blood.
His other roles worthy of mentioning are his Stephen King back catalogue. Sadler was cast in The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile and The Mist, all under the direction of Frank Darabont. His inclusion in the new Salem’s Lot film would tie him with Jeffrey DeMunn who has appeared in four King projects to date. DeMunn also starred in all three of Darabont’s films and also the television miniseries Storm of the Century in 1999.
Knowing Sadler’s skills, It’s no stretch of the imagination to consider his casting as the films big bad, Mr Barlow. Barlow is of course the head vampire that travels to the little sleepy town of Salem’s Lot. In Tobe Hooper’s 1979 mini series, the character had been morphed into a mute Nosferatu styled creature , which ultimately made him a lot more terrifying. King’s vision was of an older-European looking man, complete with moustache, who we see befriend two townsfolk with charm, with and little vampire hypnotism.
Considering that Barlow’s actually screen time would be relatively short, no matter which route they take for Barlow’s character, the role calls upon someone who can instantly project a sense of dread or charm, maybe even a bit of both. Sadler certainly has the acting chops to wrap his mouth around this role.
Other casting choices could be Barlow’s human servant Richard K. Straker, or he may well be playing drunken bum Weasel. However, since the studio have not announced nor acknowledged Saddler’s role in the film. It’s clearly a part they want to keep under wraps. I saw Barlow or bust Mr Sadler… your far to good to be a weasel.
Salem’s Lot will be creeping into theaters on September 9th, 2022.
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Do you think William Sadler is Barlow? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @Lallen_UK
Stay in, Stay Safe, Love Horror!
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