Henry Thomas, known for his breakout role in E.T., has had a remarkable career in Hollywood. He has particularly excelled in Stephen King adaptations, and here we rank his best performances.
Summary
Henry Thomas has had a steady career in acting since his breakthrough role in “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” and he has appeared in multiple Stephen King adaptations.
In “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines,” Thomas delivers a stellar performance as the father of Jud Crandall, adding gravitas and seriousness to the film, although it struggles to find its purpose.
Thomas also shines in “Gerald’s Game” as Jessie’s abusive father, giving a chilling and creepy performance that adds depth to the already complex and well-directed film.
Henry Thomas has appeared in a handful of Stephen King adaptations over the last two decades. His acting career took off when he portrayed Elliott in the iconic film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in 1982, earning him a Young Artist Award in 1983. Since then, Thomas has consistently delivered solid performances in various projects. Notably, he has made multiple appearances in horror films based on Stephen King’s works.
Thomas’ roles in these projects have ranged from being a mentor to the main character, an early victim, or even an antagonist. His versatility as an actor has evolved since his early days as a child star, and he seamlessly fits into the eerie and chilling atmospheres of King’s adapted films. However, the quality of these films varies, with one standing out among the rest.
Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is not just another run-of-the-mill film. It takes inspiration from Stephen King’s iconic Pet Sematary and adds its own twist to the lore. While it may contradict the original, it serves as a prequel to the novel and earlier film adaptations, delving into the chilling story of Timmy Baterman’s resurrection through the power of the Pet Sematary. Prepare yourself for a thrilling ride as Bloodlines unveils a massacre, multiple reanimated corpses, and an ancient union sworn to protect the secrets of the Pet Sematary.
Henry Thomas shines in his role as Dan Crandall, the father of Jud Crandall, who is part of the union guarding Ludlow against the evil that lurks within. Dan desperately wants his son to escape the town’s influence, but a tragic death awakens the malevolent force. Thomas delivers a stellar performance, infusing the film with gravitas and the love of a father. While Bloodlines may struggle to find its purpose, it offers a meaningful origin story that adds depth to the Pet Sematary narrative. However, be warned that sometimes revealing too much can diminish the mystery and eeriness of a horror film.
3 Desperation
Prepare to be captivated by Desperation, a gripping film based on Stephen King’s 1996 novel. Ron Perlman delivers a chilling performance as a possessed sheriff, while Annabeth Gish shines as the courageous Mary Jackson. Henry Thomas portrays Peter Jackson, the unfortunate husband of Mary who meets an untimely demise. With King himself penning the screenplay, the film stays true to the original source material, offering a compelling story. Despite its release on ABC and DVD in 2006, Desperation garnered respectable viewership, with 7.5 million tuning in. With better marketing and scheduling, it could have achieved even greater popularity. Nevertheless, it remains a solid addition to the Stephen King horror adaptation collection.
2 Gerald’s Game
Prepare to be on the edge of your seat with Gerald’s Game. Henry Thomas delivers a captivating performance in this thrilling adaptation. Based on Stephen King’s novel, the film explores the harrowing tale of a woman trapped during a kinky game gone wrong. Thomas’s portrayal of the character adds depth and intensity to the story. Released in 2017, Gerald’s Game received critical acclaim for its gripping narrative and powerful performances. Don’t miss out on this suspenseful masterpiece.
Gerald’s Game is an exceptional story based on King’s 1992 novel which was widely regarded as being a concept that couldn’t be adapted well for film. In 2017, Netflix released their adaptation with direction from Mike Flanagan and a script by Flanagan and Jeff Howard. The film centers on a couple who rent a quiet lake house for a short break in an attempt to rekindle their relationship. Carla Gugino stars as Jessie Burlingame, opposite her on-screen husband Gerald played by Bruce Greenwood. Gerald handcuffs Jessie to the bed but suffers an unexpected heart attack and passes away leaving Jessie trapped. The rest of the story plays out with Jessie unable to move from the bed and facing inner demons and hallucinations brought on by her traumatic upbringing.
Henry Thomas plays the role of Jessie’s father who abused her as a child and presents a truly chilling and creepy performance as the gaslighting father that haunts Jessie into her future. As with many of Stephen King’s other stories, there are some elements of supernatural horror, but this film does a wonderful job of exploring the depths of horror produced by the psyche and survival instincts. Thomas makes for an incredible villain and adds depth to a film that is already layered, complex and incredibly well-directed to make something truly spectacular and deserving of the Stephen King label.
1Doctor Sleep
Written and directed by Mike Flanagan, Doctor Sleep is another movie in which Henry Thomas appears in a follow-up film in a previously established franchise, as it serves as a sequel to The Shining. Starring Ewan McGregor as Dan Torrance, the movie shines the spotlight on the young boy who stayed at the Overlook Hotel with his father and mother before the former became violent and turned on his family. Dan, now fully grown and seeking to leave the memories of the Overlook far behind him, sunk deeper into a drinking habit and has since recovered. In the timeframe of the movie, Dan finds ways to help those who are suffering with his shining powers.
Henry Thomas plays a small but integral role as the bartender in The Overlook and also Jack Torrance, Dan’s father in flashbacks. The dual personality and roles give Thomas a chance to deliver a captivating performance that evokes the spirit of Jack Torrance and sends chills down the spine of a grown Dan. Supported by Thomas’ part in the movie, Doctor Sleep is undoubtedly one of the best Stephen King films in recent memory.
Olivia graduated with a degree in Art History from Columbia University. A cosplay enthusiast, she writes DIY guides and reviews on materials and techniques for Hypernova.
Olivia Reed
