Mike Flanagan's new eight-episode television adaptation of Stephen King's iconic horror novel Carrie is slated for release on Prime Video this fall. The series will depart from a direct retelling of the original story, opting instead for a modern-day setting that delves into the complexities of teen relationships and technology.
In this reimagining, Carrie White, portrayed by Summer Howell, is thrust into public high school following her father's death. The narrative will explore Carrie's struggles with a viral bullying scandal, the pressures of the social media age, and the emergence of her telekinetic abilities. Samantha Sloyan is set to play Carrie's mother, Margaret.
Flanagan, known for his work on "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Midnight Mass," explained that the challenge was not to condense King's novel but to expand upon it. "This was never going to be a straight adaptation," Flanagan told Entertainment Weekly. "The only way to approach it was to build something new out of the ingredients of Carrie. Otherwise, there’s really no purpose in trying to retread ground that’s been so beautifully walked before."
While the series will incorporate familiar elements from the book, such as the period scene in the high school bathroom and the climactic prom, Flanagan indicated that the events of the prom will unfold differently. "We’re getting there a completely different way and the events of that prom are going to be completely different," he stated.
The adaptation also aims to expand the lore surrounding Carrie's powers. The series will introduce a concept where Carrie is part of a larger group of gifted women, hinted at in the original novel but developed further here. Starting with the second episode, each installment will feature a unique story focusing on a different woman discovering her abilities elsewhere in the world. Flanagan noted that Carrie's specific role within this collective of powerful women will be a key discovery throughout the season.
Brian De Palma's 1976 film adaptation of Carrie is widely considered a horror classic. Flanagan's new take promises a significantly different experience, setting the stage to see if this modern interpretation can capture the same resonance as its predecessors.