Audio Up Media and iHeartMedia announced a new podcast based on Stephen King's short story, Strawberry Spring.
Originally published in 1978 as part of King's Night Shift collection, Strawberry Spring follows a journalist who hears the name "Springheel Jack" on the radio and is reminded of his time as a student at New Sharon College when he first heard the name of the notorious serial killer. Things get complicated when the journalist decides to stop at nothing to track down the murderer, even if it means risking his own life.
"Having the opportunity to take this classic story thriller written by the most recognized horror author of all time, Stephen King, and turn it into a scripted podcast for listeners is pretty special," said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. "And partnering with Audio Up is the perfect way to do it, given their unique ability to tell complex, great stories in this medium."
Metzger added that he's "a lifelong fan of Stephen King," noting, "I couldn't be more excited to work with Jared, Audio Up, and iHeart Media to bring this story to life. I couldn't ask for a better project for my first scripted podcast."
The eight-episode series is being produced by Emmy winner Philip Alberstat and features an all-star cast that includes Garrett Hedlund, Milo Ventimiglia, Herizen F. Guardiola, Sydney Sweeney, Ken Marino. and Al Madrigal. Audio Up Media and iHeartRadio have yet to reveal when the podcast will debut.
Strawberry Spring marks the third "audio-blockbuster" collaboration between Audio Up and iHeartMedia and is the latest in a series of adaptations inspired by King's stories. It was announced in June 2021 that Bryan Fuller would direct a remake of King's Christine for Blumhouse, while a Pet Sematary prequel film is currently in the works at Paramount+. On top of that, Epix's series adaptation of King's Chapelwaite is set to debut in August.
Apple TV+'s series adaptation of King's Lisey's Story also premiered in June. Following the show's debut, King said he decided to write the series for Apple because it was one of his favorite works. He said at the time, "I love them all. Some of them are difficult children to love, some of them a little bit easier. This is a little bit difficult to love, but I've always loved the story and that's the reason I got involved." The series is now available on Apple TV+.
The scripted, eight-episode Strawberry Spring podcast does not yet have a release date.