Nearly five decades after its initial release, Carrie—the iconic horror tale—is getting a modern makeover as a series.
Horror maestro Mike Flanagan, known for his ability to blend emotional depth with terrifying narratives, is reportedly attached to the project. Backed by Amazon MGM Studios, this fresh retelling of Stephen King’s classic will stream exclusively on Prime Video. Let's delve into how this new horror adaptation is shaping up.
The Creative Team Behind the Reboot
This new series represents a complete reimagining of the 1976 film, which was originally adapted from King’s 1974 debut novel. Flanagan, who will write, showrun, and executive produce all eight episodes, brings his distinct style to the table. Although Flanagan won’t direct every episode, he is confirmed to helm several installments.
Teaming up with Flanagan is his longtime producing partner, Trevor Macy, who will also serve as executive producer. Together, they already have a strong creative relationship with Amazon MGM Studios, having secured overall deals and rights to another of King’s works—The Dark Tower.
There is no official release date yet, but anticipation is already building around this exciting project.
Carrie: A Timeless Horror Tale
Among the many adaptations of Stephen King’s works, the original Carrie remains one of the most enduring. Released in 1976, Brian De Palma’s film adaptation became a landmark in the horror genre. It earned critical acclaim and secured two Academy Award nominations—Best Actress for Sissy Spacek and Best Supporting Actress for Piper Laurie, who played Carrie’s fanatical mother.
At its core, Carrie is a story of isolation, power, and revenge. Carrie White, a shy, socially awkward teenager with a deeply religious and abusive mother, is pushed to the brink after enduring relentless bullying. On prom night, she unleashes her telekinetic powers in a devastating display of fury. The film’s unforgettable climax has left a permanent mark on pop culture.
Over the years, several adaptations have attempted to capture the essence of Carrie, though none have quite matched the impact of De Palma’s original. The 1999 sequel and the 2002 television remake were both critically panned, while the 2013 film, starring Chloe Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore, offered a more modern update. Still, none have fully recaptured the raw, disturbing energy of the original.
Now, Flanagan’s upcoming series will be the first long-form television adaptation of Carrie.
Casting News
As the reboot takes shape, casting rumors are already swirling, with two rising stars reportedly in talks for key roles. Summer H. Howell, known for her work in Curse of Chucky (2013) and Cult of Chucky (2017), is reportedly being considered for the titular role of Carrie White.
Siena Agudong, recognized for her portrayal of Young Billie Wesker in Netflix’s Resident Evil (2022), is in discussions to play Sue Snell, Carrie’s conflicted classmate and eventual ally.
Additionally, Matthew Lillard—famous for his roles in Scream (1996) and the Scooby-Doo films—is also in talks for a role. Though details on his character are still under wraps, Lillard’s presence is sure to spark excitement among long-time horror fans.
Flanagan’s Signature Touch
Flanagan has quickly become one of modern horror’s defining voices. With critically acclaimed series such as The Haunting of Hill House (2018), The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020), Midnight Mass (2021), and The Fall of the House of Usher (2023), he has redefined what long-form horror can be on a streaming platform.
His film adaptations of Stephen King’s works—Gerald’s Game (2017) and Doctor Sleep (2019)—have been praised for staying true to the source material while imbuing them with his unique sensibility. Flanagan’s upcoming film adaptation of The Life of Chuck, starring Tom Hiddleston, promises to further solidify his partnership with King.
With Carrie, Flanagan embarks on his fourth adaptation of King’s work. Given his track record in both film and television, expectations are high for this reimagining to honor the source material while offering something fresh.
Will This Version Succeed?
The upcoming Carrie series arrives with significant expectations. It has the potential to preserve the unsettling essence of King’s original novel while bringing new layers to the story. In the past, adaptations of Carrie have stumbled by trying to soften the character, making her more palatable to audiences. But King’s Carrie was never meant to be comforting—she was meant to be a broken, isolated figure whose power came from her explosive contrast between passivity and fury.
For this adaptation to succeed, Flanagan must resist the temptation to humanize Carrie into something more relatable. Instead, the focus should be on capturing her raw, unfiltered power—just as De Palma did in 1976. The key to making this reboot work lies in staying true to what made the original so unforgettable.
Conclusion
The Carrie reboot, led by Mike Flanagan, is shaping up to be a spine-chilling reimagining of a classic. With a talented cast, a visionary director, and the backing of Amazon MGM Studios, this series has the potential to breathe new life into a story that has haunted audiences for decades. If Flanagan stays true to the spirit of King’s work, this could be a Carrie adaptation that will leave a lasting impact.
