Tom Hiddleston’s Heartfelt Hit ‘The Life of Chuck’ Sets Hulu Streaming Date

Hollywood’s long, complicated history with Stephen King adaptations has taken a surprising turn in 2025. This year delivered four major films based on King’s work, including The Monkey, The Running Man, and The Long Walk. But the standout of the year — and the one earning the loudest praise — is unquestionably Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck, starring Tom Hiddleston. Now, this critically acclaimed drama finally arrives on Hulu on December 26, 2025.

A Surprising King Adaptation That Broke the Mold

When fans hear “Stephen King,” they imagine terror, suspense, and supernatural horror. But The Life of Chuck flips expectations completely. Instead of leaning into fear, Flanagan presents one of King’s most uplifting, emotional stories — and it struck a deep chord with audiences after premiering at TIFF in 2024 and hitting theaters in summer 2025.

Flanagan, known for The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher, seemed destined to interpret King’s darker works. Yet this collaboration shows a softer, more reflective side of his filmmaking — proving that the pairing of Flanagan and King can produce magic even outside the horror genre.

Tom Hiddleston Leads a Stellar Ensemble

The film follows Chuck Krantz (Tom Hiddleston), a man facing the end of his life after being diagnosed with a brain tumor at just 40 years old. Told in reverse, the movie walks backward through Chuck’s life, revealing the beauty, wonder, and meaning hidden in ordinary moments.

Flanagan assembled an impressive cast, including:

• Kate Siegel

• Mark Hamill

• Matthew Lillard

• Karen Gillan

• Jacob Tremblay

• Chiwetel Ejiofor

• Samantha Sloyan

• Rahul Kohli

• Carl Lumbly, and more

This rich ensemble helps bring King’s emotional, cosmic storytelling to life in a way rarely seen on screen.

A Critical Darling — After a Long Wait

Despite glowing reactions at early festival screenings, The Life of Chuck struggled to lock in a distributor. Once Neon acquired the film, it secured a June 2025 theatrical release. The movie went on to earn $19 million worldwide and quickly built a reputation as one of the best Stephen King adaptations in years.

On Rotten Tomatoes, it landed at:

• 80% critics score

• 88% audience score

Reviewers praised its hopeful tone, emotional depth, and commitment to exploring King’s more philosophical, cosmic themes. Many even labeled it the “life-affirming movie of the decade.”

Streaming Begins December 26 on Hulu

While Mike Flanagan is already deep into new Stephen King projects — including a Carrie series and an ambitious adaptation of The Dark Tower — The Life of Chuck remains one of his most unique offerings. It’s a rare King adaptation that trades scares for soul, giving viewers a heartfelt look at the wonder of existence.

Beginning December 26, Hulu and Disney+ subscribers can finally experience this moving story from the comfort of home.