FAQ

Misery is a 1987 novel by American horror writer Stephen King. The novel was adapted for the screen by American screenwriter William Goldman.

No. Misery's Child was already in publication and about to be released to the market even before Paul's accident. In fact, Annie picks up a hardbound copy at the bookstore not long after rescuing Paul. Paul had killed off Misery so that he could concentrate on more serious writing about subjects other than 19th century romance (in the novel, it's explained that Paul had grown sick of writing about Misery Chastain) and had with him in the car a new book, an untitled manuscript (in the novel, it's titled Fast Cars) completely removed from the Misery books. He let Annie read it because she had saved his life and because she was his "number one fan." Unfortunately, the book made Annie upset because of the amount of profanity, and she made him burn it. She did not make him burn Misery's Child.

No. Novril is a a fictional medication made up for the story. It's described in the book as a powerful, highly addictive analgesic, the main ingredient being codeine. It comes in pill form and is bitter to taste. In the film, Novril is a capsule and is tasteless, making it easier for Paul to slip into her wine. Before the story begins in Stephen King's novel, there's a disclaimer saying that Novril is not a real drug.

In Misery, Stephen King does not have a cameo.