The film was the second major King film adaptation to star Bates in a leading role after "Misery" (1990) five years earlier. The screenplay for "Dolores Claiborne" was adapted by Tony Gilroy, and the film was shot in Nova Scotia in 1994. "Dolores Claiborne" was well-received by critics, with the performances of Bates and Leigh being especially praised, and grossed over $46 million on a $13 million budget. Kathy Bates stated in a retrospective interview that her performance as the titular Dolores was her favorite performance she had ever given. In 2013, "Time" named the film among the top 10 greatest Stephen King film adaptations.