The character Judge Farris, who was male in Stephen King's original novel, is portrayed as female in the 2020 show adaptation, constituting a gender swap.

The 2020 adaptation of Stephen King's "The Stand" features multiple characters whose race differs from their established portrayal in the source novel. For instance, Larry Underwood, depicted as white in the book, is portrayed by a Black actor.

The film portrays Christianity, primarily through Mother Abagail, as a source of divine guidance, moral strength, and community in the face of apocalyptic evil. The narrative consistently affirms its virtues and positions faith as essential for humanity's survival and triumph over darkness.