Prime Video has unveiled the first images from its upcoming television series adaptation of Stephen King's debut novel, "Carrie." The project is being developed by horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan, who will also serve as showrunner, director, and executive producer. Flanagan has a history with King's work, having previously helmed adaptations of "Doctor Sleep" and "Gerald's Game."
The new series centers on Carrie White, a bullied high school student who discovers she possesses telekinetic abilities. The provided images offer a glimpse into Carrie's high school environment, depicting moments of social isolation and apparent bullying, including a scene in the school showers. While the iconic, blood-drenched prom scene has not yet been revealed, the visuals highlight the narrative's focus on Carrie's struggles within the school system.
Merritt Wever will star as Carrie, with Samantha Sloyan portraying her protective mother, Margaret. The ensemble cast also includes Amber Midthunder and Matthew Lillard. Lillard commented on the adaptation, noting that Flanagan has brought a contemporary relevance to the story, which he believes is key to Stephen King's approval of this new take on the material. "There's a modern adaptation that Mike's applied to the world that makes it completely relevant," Lillard stated. "I think that's the reason Stephen King signed off on this adaptation, because there's a new approach to bullying."
This eight-episode series aims to revisit King's classic tale, which first hit bookshelves in 1974 and was famously adapted into a film by Brian De Palma in 1976. Subsequent adaptations, including a 1999 sequel, a 2002 television film, and a 2013 movie, have generally been met with less critical success than the original. Prime Video's "Carrie" is expected to begin streaming in the fall, with a specific release date yet to be announced.