Will ‘The Shining’ Sequel ‘Doctor Sleep’ be Coming to Netflix?

It’s almost 40 years since the release of Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking horror The Shining, and we’re finally receiving a sequel, Doctor Sleep. Is Doctor Sleep on Netflix? While it’s highly unlikely, there’s still a chance, and here’s why.

Doctor Sleep, a horror fantasy film about slumber is based on Stephen King's novel. The film is a sequel to King’s popular novel The Shining but takes place several decades later. Ewan stars as Danny, while Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) directs the film.

Dan Torrence still feels haunted decades later by the Overlook Hotel experience. Finally able to settle into a New Hampshire home, Dan finds a job working at a nursing home and uses his gift, “the Shining”, to help ease the passing of the elderly. Dan is introduced to Abra Stone by his Shining-wielding tween. He must assist her in battling The True Knot (a group of quasi immortal beings) who are trying to steal the Shining from children for their own lives.

Netflix US will soon have Doctor Sleep.

As of this writing, Doctor Sleep is not confirmed to be available on Netflix. However, there is a very small possibility that Doctor Sleep might be available on Netflix.

Mike Flanagan is the director and screenwriter of Doctor Sleep. He has a very lucrative output agreement with Netflix. Flanagan and the production studio Intrepid Pictures have been behind the production of popular Netflix Originals such as The Haunting of Hill House, Before I Wake and Gerald’s Game.

Netflix and Mike Flanagan have an output agreement that allows Netflix exclusive rights to all series. Intrepid Pictures will continue producing films for Netflix.

Doctor Sleep is unlikely to be available on Netflix, unless there's a relationship between Intrepid Pictures (and Netflix). While it may arrive in the future, it’s first home is likely to be elsewhere.

Do you have a stream for Doctor Sleep?

Warner Bros. owns the distribution rights. Doctor Sleep will therefore more likely be viewed on HBO Max.

The movie was co-produced by Vertigo Films and Intrepid Pictures. In 2020, Vertigo will release The Turning, which is an adaptation of the novel The Turning of the Screw. Ironically, Intrepid Pictures will also release The Haunting of Bly Manor in 2020. This series is also inspired by The Turning of the Screw.

How about in other areas?

Sky has renewed its output agreement with Warner Bros. subscribers will not be happy. Sky will now be able to stream Warner Bros. titles on Now TV and Sky before other services.

Doctor Sleep in Canada will now be streamable through Crave. Warner has signed an output agreement with Bell Media, CTV and HBO Max, that includes release of feature movies, network TV and HBO Max content.

Some of the latest Warner titles are delivered to Netflix Australia nine months after they have been released in cinemas. It will likely be available on Netflix in the near future.

Do you want Doctor Sleep on Netflix? Comment below to let us know!