‘Stand By Me’ Stars Visit New England for Screenings This Week

One of the most beloved movies will be getting a special re-relase in select theaters, with a few guest stars coming along. Let’s take you back to the 1980s.

In 1986, the movie Stand by Me was released. Based on a Stephen King novella titled The Body, it became an instant classic. It starred a wealth of young actors who became household names overnight, and every kid growing up wanted to be part of that iconic friend group.

Now, on the (nearly) 40th anniversary of the film’s release, the surviving members of that friend group are reuniting for special screenings of the movie.

Special Screenings of ‘Stand by Me’ With the Actors are Coming Soon

Two of those screenings will take place right here in New England in the coming days. One will be at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, New Hampshire, on December 4, while the other will be in Lynn, Massachusetts, on Dec 6, at the Lynn Memorial Auditorium. The events will also feature appearances from Jerry O’Connell, Corey Feldman, and Wil Wheaton.

O’Connell played the lovable oaf Vern—a character this author related to well. Feldman portrayed the troubled and abused Teddy, and Wheaton played the young Gordie, the film’s narrator (with narration by Richard Dreyfuss, who also portrayed the adult version of the character).

The trio will sadly be missing the fourth member of the famously fictitious friend group: River Phoenix. Phoenix, who memorably played Chris Chambers, passed away from an accidental overdose in 1993. He was just 23 years old.

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To generations of kids—me included—Stand by Me was more than just a movie. It felt like watching something we were living. Sure, we weren’t out looking for a dead body, but that’s not what the story was really about. It was about friendship, adventure, memories, brotherhood, and love.

It was also one of the first films that ever sparked an emotional reaction in me—proof of just how powerful truly great art can be.

More Screenings of ‘Stand by Me’ with the Main Actors Are Expected to be Announced

So far, six shows have been announced for the reunion screenings, including three brand new dates in March of 2026. One would imagine there are more coming. Hopefully Portland will be one of those in the future. You can find more info about tickets and the event here.

And maybe I’ll see you in Concord or Lynn.

‍”I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve.”