Firestarter centers on an organization called the Department of Scientific Intelligence, aka “The Shop.” Two participants in their mysterious research program end up getting married and having a child. Their offspring, Charlie McGee, inherited pyrokinetic powers from her parents, who were given a low-grade hallucinogen called “Lot Six” during their college years. Now the government is trying to apprehend the young Charlie in order to harness her powerful and unique skills as a weapon.
The remake will see Zac Efron portraying the role of Andy McGee, a character previously portrayed by Golden Globe nominee David Keith. While, Michael Greyeyes has been cast to play John Rainbird, described as a relentless and powerful man who has been pushed into a violent life. The character was previously portrayed by George C. Scott in the first adaptation of the novel.