Horror maestro Mike Flanagan is ready to take us to prom. The renowned filmmaker behind The Fall of the House of Usher and Midnight Mass has set his sights on one of Stephen King’s most iconic stories: Carrie. The eight-episode limited series, heading to Prime Video, will be Flanagan’s fourth venture into King’s literary universe.
The series will supposedly be a “bold and timely reimagining” of the story that launched King’s career. As expected, it will focus on the tale of Carrie White, a misfit high school student whose sheltered life under her domineering mother takes a dramatic turn following her father’s sudden death.
As she struggles through life in a public high school and a devastating bullying scandal, Carrie discovers she possesses mysterious telekinetic powers, a combination that’s bound to end in tragedy.
This new adaptation will join a prestigious lineage of Carrie interpretations, beginning with Brian De Palma’s 1976 classic starring Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie, whose performances earned them both Oscar nominations. The IP has since seen multiple adaptations, including a 1999 sequel (The Rage: Carrie 2), a 2002 TV movie, and a 2013 remake starring Chloë Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore.
What sets this version apart is its expanded format. While previous film adaptations clock in at around 98 minutes, Flanagan’s eight-episode series will have considerably more room to explore the story’s deeper layers.
This extended runtime could potentially delve into previously unexplored territory, such as Sue Snell’s home life, Chris Hargensen’s background, or even the mysterious story of Carrie’s father, Ralph White – a character whose fate differs between King’s novel and its adaptations.
Flanagan, who will serve as both writer and showrunner, is currently under an overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios. The project joins his impressive roster of King adaptations, including Doctor Sleep (the sequel to The Shining), Gerald’s Game, and the recently premiered The Life of Chuck.
Interestingly, Flanagan had to shelve his planned adaptation of King’s Revival to focus on another ambitious project: The Dark Tower, as King prefers adaptations of his work to be developed one at a time.
While casting announcements are yet to come, speculation is already brewing about who might take on the roles of Carrie and her mother, Margaret White. Given Flanagan’s tendency to work with a recurring ensemble of talented actors, including Carla Gugino, Kate Siegel, and Samantha Sloyan, fans are looking forward to his casting choices for this supernatural drama.
