Prime Video has officially renewed Mike Flanagan's adaptation of Stephen King's novel "Carrie" for a second season, signaling that "much more in store" awaits the titular character. Amazon announced the renewal today, confirming that the series has achieved the number one spot on the streaming platform in 105 countries.
The series has garnered critical and audience acclaim, prompting widespread fan theories and comparisons to previous adaptations. According to a Prime Video press release, "Carrie's" story is "far from over," with further plot developments, significant character arcs, and "plenty of shocking twists" planned.
Peter Friedlander, Head of Global Television at Amazon MGM Studios, stated that "Carrie" resonates with both established Stephen King fans and a new generation, particularly young adults and international viewers, with a notable engagement among female audiences. He added that the show's success demonstrates the enduring power of the story and the potential of Mike Flanagan's reimagining of the intellectual property.
Mike Flanagan expressed his enthusiasm for continuing Carrie's narrative beyond the original novel. "For 50 years, audiences have known and gravitated to Carrie White’s story. From the beginning, we imagined a story that goes far beyond the prom, and I’m incredibly grateful for Stephen’s trust and support in exploring what comes next," he said.
Stephen King, who served as an executive producer on the series, shared his excitement for the future. "I can’t wait for audiences to get to see what’s down the road for Carrie White. Mike Flanagan and I are excited about what comes next. It’s bound to be thrilling," King commented.
Flanagan's "Carrie" notably incorporated elements from King's other works, such as "The Dark Tower" and "Doctor Sleep." Crucially, the series concludes with Carrie surviving, escaping with Emaline, an astral projector, as they evade pursuit from Adelaide and a group of telekinetics. This deviation from King's original novel has laid the groundwork for future storytelling, with King's public support for Flanagan's interpretation.
The series offers a contemporary retelling of the 1974 novel, addressing modern themes like the challenges of student life, political issues, and the impact of social media. IGN awarded the show an eight out of ten, with reviewer Tom Jorgensen praising its "smart story accommodations for the social media age and a pair of stellar performances" that justified a retelling of Carrie's story.