Wil Wheaton, who played Gordie Lachance in the 1986 film “Stand by Me,” has returned to the story 40 years later with a new audiobook narration of Stephen King’s novella “The Body.” This time around, Wheaton is coming from a different place – as an older man reflecting on his own experiences. He channels his emotions and memories into the narration, drawing on his 12-year-old self when he first read the book.
Wheaton’s favorite scene to narrate was the one where Chris (played by River Phoenix) talks about wanting to be Gordie’s dad because he cares about him deeply. This scene stands out for its raw honesty and vulnerability. Wheaton wanted to recreate what River did in this scene, and it brought back a powerful flashback of being on the train tracks during filming.
As Wheaton navigated the emotional landscape of the story, he was reminded of his own relationships with his friends and family from that time. He recalls Rob Reiner’s encouragement to be kids, which allowed him to tap into his natural instincts as an actor. This experience is still palpable for Wheaton 40 years later.
In “The Body,” King explores themes of childhood loss and coming to terms with death. For Wheaton, this novella holds a special place in his heart, especially after the passing of River Phoenix. He remembers a young River who seemed both wise and vulnerable at the same time.
Wheaton’s narration is not just about telling a story but also about honoring the memory of River Phoenix and celebrating the power of storytelling to capture our experiences and emotions. By sharing his own reflections on “The Body,” Wheaton offers a unique perspective on this beloved classic, making it a privilege for listeners to experience.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/03/24/books/wil-wheaton-the-body-audiobook-stephen-king.html