Stephen King, a prolific author known for his mastery of horror fiction, has penned hundreds of short stories and over sixty novels, yet he has only ventured into film direction once. This singular experience came with the quirky 1986 film Maximum Overdrive (watch it HERE). Following this project, King chose to refrain from directing, and actor Emilio Estevez has openly expressed regret over his involvement in the film. Estevez has even mentioned that King has sought his forgiveness for the chaotic experience, yet Estevez’s fondness for the project remains intact, as he has actively pursued the idea of a sequel. In fact, Estevez has taken the initiative to pitch and craft a script for Maximum Overdrive 2.

The movie draws inspiration from King’s short story titled Trucks, and its plot unfolds as follows: After a comet triggers a radiation storm on Earth, various machines come to life, turning against their human creators. A group of survivors, trapped in a North Carolina truck stop, must fight for survival against a swarm of murderous trucks. Bill Robinson, a diner cook, unexpectedly rises as the leader, striving to devise an escape plan for himself and the other survivors, which include his boss, Bubba Hendershot, and a newlywed couple. Estevez starred alongside a talented cast featuring Pat Hingle, Laura Harrington, Yeardley Smith, John Short, Ellen McElduff, J.C. Quinn, Christopher Murney, Holter Graham, Frankie Faison, Pat Miller, Leon Rippy, and Giancarlo Esposito. Despite its $9 million budget, the film underperformed at the box office, yet it has since garnered a dedicated cult following.

In a recent discussion on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Estevez revealed his imaginative thoughts: “Honestly, with the evolution of computer technology and AI, I began to envision what a sequel to Maximum Overdrive could entail. During the (2023 actors’ strike), I started writing it! While I don’t hold the rights to it, I’ve developed an exciting concept. Initially, I began with just the first page, and now I’m on page 50, and the ideas keep flowing. The rights to Maximum Overdrive belong to Dino De Laurentiis’ company, which has shown no interest in what I’ve created. My script opens with Bill, the short-order cook from the original, now running his own diner. On the day the world descends into chaos, celebrity chef Guy Fieri visits for an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The premise is thrilling, and I’m proud of this script, but unfortunately, they’re pursuing their own direction.”“

The missed opportunity for a sequel to Maximum Overdrive, envisioned and potentially starring Emilio Estevez, is indeed disheartening, especially as it was turned down by De Laurentiis. This revelation leaves fans wondering what could have been.

Are you eager to see Emilio Estevez take the reins for a sequel to Maximum Overdrive? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!