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Cottage Grove Today
By the People, for the People
Wil Wheaton Narrates 'The Body' Audiobook, Revisiting 'Stand By Me' Memories
The actor, who played Gordie Lachance in the 1986 film, channels his younger self and late co-star River Phoenix in the new audiobook adaptation of the Stephen King novella.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:22pm
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Wheaton's narration of 'The Body' allows him to revisit the bittersweet memories of his breakout role in 'Stand By Me' and honor the legacies of his co-star and director.Cottage Grove TodayWil Wheaton, who played the sensitive, bookish Gordie Lachance in the 1986 film 'Stand By Me,' is narrating a new audiobook version of the Stephen King novella 'The Body' on which the movie was based. Wheaton, now in his 50s, is drawing on his memories of the film's production and his close friendship with the late River Phoenix, who played Wheaton's on-screen best friend Chris Chambers. The actor says he felt a strong connection to Phoenix and wanted to channel his performance in the pivotal scene where Chris opens up to Gordie.
Why it matters
Wheaton's narration of 'The Body' allows him to revisit a formative role from his childhood and pay tribute to his co-star Phoenix, who passed away tragically in 1993 at the age of 23. The story's themes of nostalgia, loss, and the bonds of childhood friendship resonate deeply with Wheaton, who has carried the memory of making 'Stand By Me' with him for decades.
The details
Wheaton recorded the audiobook in his home studio, drawing on his vivid memories of filming the iconic scene on the train tracks with Phoenix. He wanted to capture the raw honesty and emotion of their performances, saying he could 'hear and feel' himself back on set. Wheaton also participated in a recent Oscars tribute to the film's late director, Rob Reiner, who was murdered in 2025 alongside his wife.
- Wheaton recorded the 'The Body' audiobook in his California home studio.
- Wheaton joined other 'Stand By Me' cast members at the 2026 Academy Awards to honor director Rob Reiner, who was killed that year.
The players
Wil Wheaton
The actor who played Gordie Lachance in the 1986 film 'Stand By Me' and is now narrating the audiobook adaptation of the Stephen King novella 'The Body' on which the movie was based.
River Phoenix
The late actor who played Chris Chambers, Gordie's best friend, in 'Stand By Me' and whose performance Wheaton sought to channel in the audiobook narration.
Rob Reiner
The director of 'Stand By Me' who was murdered in 2025 alongside his wife, Michele, and was honored at the 2026 Academy Awards.
What they’re saying
“I felt really close to him, and my memory of him.”
— Wil Wheaton
“Rob gave me a gift. Rob gave me a career.”
— Wil Wheaton
“I was really really really excited — like jumping up and down.”
— Wil Wheaton
What’s next
Wheaton plans to continue attending anniversary screenings of 'Stand By Me' alongside his former co-stars Jerry O'Connell and Corey Feldman.
The takeaway
Wheaton's narration of 'The Body' allows him to revisit the formative role of Gordie Lachance and pay tribute to his late co-star River Phoenix, whose performance and memory he has carried with him for decades. The story's themes of nostalgia, loss, and childhood friendship clearly resonate deeply with Wheaton, who has channeled those emotions into his latest project.