Maine writer Stephen King said Monday he was “horrified and saddened” by the death of his friend Rob Reiner, whom he called a “brilliant filmmaker.”

Two of the best-known movies Reiner directed, “Stand By Me” and “Misery,” were based on King’s writing.

“I loved that man. He had a generous hug. I gave him a return hug after I saw ‘Stand By Me’ in the screening room of the Beverly Hills Hotel. He was special. I just can’t believe this news,” King wrote in an email to the Press Herald on Monday morning.

Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found stabbed to death Sunday in their Los Angeles home. Their son Nick Reiner, 32, has been taken into custody, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. The official could not publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

I’m horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele. Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine). Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me.

— Stephen King (@StephenKing) December 15, 2025

“Stand By Me” (1986) was based on King’s novella “The Body,” about four boys on a quest to find a dead body they’d heard about. The coming-of-age film starred River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Jerry O’Connell.

“Misery” (1990) was based on King’s novel of the same name and starred James Caan as a writer and Kathy Bates as his biggest fan, and captor. Bates won a best-actress Oscar for her performance. 

King, a longtime Bangor resident who also has a home in Florida, also posted about Reiner on his X account Monday.

“I’m horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele. Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine). Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me,” King wrote.