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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Firestarter

Firestarter is a 1984 American science fiction horror film directed by Mark L.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Firestarter is a 1984 American science fiction horror film directed by Mark L. Lester and based on Stephen King’s 1980 novel of the same name. It stars Drew Barrymore, David Keith, Martin Sheen, and George C. Scott, and follows a young girl with pyrokinesis who is pursued by a secret government agency. A 2022 remake was later released.

Plot

The story follows a girl whose supernatural fire-starting ability makes her the target of a secret government agency known as The Shop.

Production and release

Firestarter was released in 1984 in the United States and was distributed by Universal Pictures.

Cast and crew

The film was directed by Mark L. Lester from a screenplay by Stanley Mann, with Drew Barrymore in one of the best-known roles of her early career.

Reception and legacy

The film became one of several Stephen King adaptations released in the 1980s and was later followed by a 2022 remake.

Key facts

  • The film is based on Stephen King’s 1980 novel.
  • It centers on Charlie McGee, a child with pyrokinesis.
  • The film was directed by Mark L. Lester and written by Stanley Mann.
  • Cast includes Drew Barrymore, David Keith, Martin Sheen, and George C. Scott.
  • A remake was released in 2022.
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Canadian context

The film is part of the wider international popularity of Stephen King adaptations, which are widely distributed and watched in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Firestarter about?
It is about a young girl with pyrokinesis who is hunted by a secret government agency seeking to control her ability.
Who directed Firestarter?
The 1984 film was directed by Mark L. Lester.
Who stars in Firestarter?
The film stars Drew Barrymore, David Keith, Martin Sheen, and George C. Scott.
Is Firestarter based on a book?
Yes. It is based on Stephen King’s 1980 novel Firestarter.
Was there a remake of Firestarter?
Yes. A remake was released in 2022, directed by Keith Thomas.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firestarter_(1984_film)
    Supports: 1984 film, director, cast, plot, and source novel.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Firestarter-film
    Supports: Film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel and Drew Barrymore association.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087262/releaseinfo/
    Supports: Original title and release information.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1798632/
    Supports: 2022 remake identification.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firestarter_(2022_film)
    Supports: 2022 remake director, cast, and release details.