Stephen King never got paid for one of the most celebrated movie adaptations of his novels

In 1982, Stephen King wrote ‘Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption’, a short story that was part of the compilation ‘The Four Seasons’. Twelve years later the film based on said story would be released, ‘The Shawshank Redemption’, directed by Frank Darabont and practically unanimously considered one of the best films in history. The fact is that the film’s success, which should have earned King huge profits, did not bring him a single cent... because he didn’t want to.

Why did Stephen King turn down the money for ‘The Shawshank Redemption’?

Ironically, despite having won over time, the reception of ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ was mediocre. With a budget of 25 million dollars, it only grossed 28 million at the box office, and the blow would come at the Oscars - in which ‘Forrest Gump’ swept the awards ceremony-, since being nominated for seven statuettes, it would not win any of them.

As such, the royalties for the Maine-born author would be a measly $5,000, which King received in the form of a check. Instead of cashing it, he sent it back to Darabont with a message: “In case you ever need money for bail. Love, Steve.” Despite what it may seem, the message was in a loving tone, as evidenced by the fact that the writer and director later collaborated again on two other King novel adaptations and that they were quite well received: ‘The Green Mile’ and ‘The Mist’.

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