Jocelin Donahue, known for her role in Doctor Sleep, hinted at potential plot directions for the sequel, revealing that it could explore elements from Stephen King’s original novel that were omitted in the first film.
Released in 2019, Doctor Sleep followed Danny Torrance as he grappled with his past and supernatural abilities, years after the events of The Shining. Despite critical acclaim, the film didn’t fare well commercially.
In an interview with Screen Rant, Donahue discussed discussions about Doctor Sleep 2’s narrative focus. She suggested that the sequel might delve further into the character of Abra, portrayed by Kyleigh Curran, and explore Donahue’s character’s family history. Donahue praised Curran’s performance and expressed interest in seeing her character’s story unfold. She said:
“We definitely talked about the book a lot, and of course, with my character, there’s a lot more family history that wasn’t explored yet. So, if it ever does come about, I think it would be a super interesting story to tell.”
Donahue also highlighted Curran’s role, expressing a desire to see her continue the character’s journey.
Flanagan’s adaptation of Doctor Sleep navigated between King’s novel and Kubrick’s film version of The Shining. The film introduced narrative changes, including a subtle reinterpretation of the Torrance family backstory. In King’s book, a twist reveals a familial connection between Danny and Abra, rooted in a secret affair involving Danny’s father.
However, Flanagan opted for a more understated approach, hinting at this connection without getting into its controversial aspects.
Flanagan’s adaptation struck a balance between honoring King’s storytelling and respecting Kubrick’s film, showcasing his skill in weaving together intricate narratives while preserving thematic coherence.
