The Stand star compares coronavirus to Stephen King’s post-apocalyptic novel

King, meanwhile, has insisted that ‘coronavirus is NOT like THE STAND’

The coronavirus outbreak has been compared by some to the happenings in The Stand

James Marsden, the star of the TV adaptation of Stephen King’s The Stand, says shooting the series amid the coronavirus outbreak has been strange.

In The Stand, King’s 1978 post-apocalyptic novel, the world is decimated by an accidental pandemic.

“There are scenes in the beginning of The Stand where as soon as you see someone who looks normal sneeze or cough into their arm, everyone’s eyes in the room darts towards them,” Marsden told Variety and iHeart’s The Big Ticket podcast.

“I see that in public now, and everyone kind of takes a few steps away from the person. It’s crazy. We’re in full panic mode right now.”

Marsden added: “Obviously, no one would ever want to capitalise on something as horrible as this, but it certainly makes it relevant.”

King, however, has sought to limit comparisons between his novel and the current real-life situation.

“No, coronavirus is NOT like THE STAND,” the author tweeted over the weekend.

James Marsden on 18 May 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (JC Olivera/Getty Images)

“It’s not anywhere near as serious. It’s eminently survivable. Keep calm and take all reasonable precautions.”

The Stand is currently still in production and filming in Vancouver. It will air on CBS All Access.

According to the CDC, people should avoid contact with those who are sick, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, stay home when sick, wash their hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds, disinfect surfaces in the household, and cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue.