Who Should Play Kurt Barlow Next? 4 Actors Who Could Sink Their Teeth Into Stephen King’s Master Vampire

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Few horror villains have the chilling presence and ancient malice of Kurt Barlow, the undead antagonist of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot. Whether portrayed as a grotesque Nosferatu-like monster or a more suave, manipulative figure, Barlow is the stuff of small-town nightmares. With another adaptation always lurking just around the corner, it’s time to ask: who should don the black cloak and bring Barlow back to life (or undeath)?

Here are four actors who could make Kurt Barlow unforgettable in a modern adaptation.

Tom Hiddleston: The Eloquent Evil

Hiddleston brings the right combination of old-world charm, theatricality, and menace that Barlow demands—especially if this version leans closer to the novel’s intelligent, articulate vampire rather than the monstrous version from the 1979 miniseries. With his classical training and unnerving ability to switch between warmth and wickedness (see: Loki), Hiddleston could portray a centuries-old predator with hypnotic charisma. Imagine Barlow seducing minds in small-town Maine with velvet words before baring his fangs—Hiddleston was practically born to creep us out like that.

Dan Jeannotte: The Underrated Dark Horse

You may recognize Dan Jeannotte from shows like Reign or Good Witch, but don’t underestimate him. Jeannotte has the regal bearing, piercing stare, and underutilized edge to take Barlow in a fresh, terrifying direction. Casting him would be a surprise—exactly what the role needs. He’s got that “young vampire lord in disguise” energy, perfect for a version of Barlow who blends in with humans, hides in plain sight, and corrupts from the inside out. The horror genre loves to elevate the unexpected. This could be Jeannotte’s breakout darkness.

Jared Leto: The Risky, Blood-Soaked Bet

Yes, yes, Morbius was a mess—but Leto shouldn’t be counted out just yet. He’s played twisted, unnerving characters before (Requiem for a Dream, Dallas Buyers Club, Blade Runner 2049) and with the right script and director, he could channel Barlow’s supernatural menace in chilling ways. If this version of Barlow leans toward the animalistic, monstrous figure—more creature than man—Leto’s intense, transformative approach could work. He’d either be incredible… or a disaster. But that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?

Colin Farrell: The Charismatic Killer

Fresh off his unrecognizable turn as the Penguin in The Batman, Colin Farrell has proven he can disappear into truly weird, creepy roles. He’s got the experience (Fright Night remake, anyone?), the charm, and the intensity to bring a calculating, sophisticated version of Barlow to the screen. Farrell could make him a seductive force—someone you trust just long enough to lose everything. He could play up the loneliness of immortality, too, giving Barlow some rare emotional depth. He’s a versatile powerhouse, and horror would be lucky to have him.

Final Bite: Who Do You Choose?

Kurt Barlow is one of King’s most underappreciated villains, and the right casting could elevate him into horror royalty. Whether you want elegance, surprise, raw intensity, or eerie charisma, these four actors each bring a unique flavor of terror to the table.

So—who would you let in after dark?

Let us know in the comments who you think should play Barlow next… if you dare.

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