Carrie Star Matthew Lillard Teases Mike Flanagan Finally Adapting Key Stephen King Book Details Missing From OG Movie

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Stephen King’s classic novel Carrie is getting another remake, this time as a series created by Mike Flanagan, known for his popular horror shows. Matthew Lillard, who will star in the new series, recently shared some hints about what viewers can anticipate.

Stephen King’s novel Carrie, published in 1974, has been made into a movie several times. The original 1976 film, directed by Brian De Palma, was a critical success, earning a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. A more recent adaptation, released in 2013 and starring Chloë Grace Moretz, didn’t fare as well, receiving a score of only 51%.

I’m really excited about Mike Flanagan tackling Stephen King’s novel as an eight-episode series for Prime Video! I recently saw an interview with Bill Lillard on Going Method where he talked about the upcoming show and how closely it will follow the book. He shared that filming has finished, and it sounds like Flanagan is planning to include details that were left out of the Carrie movie directed by De Palma – things that fans of the novel will really appreciate. It’s great to hear they’re being so thoughtful about staying true to the source material.

Matthew Lillard said they wrapped up filming in Vancouver right before Christmas after six months, and it was a really great experience – a lot of fun!

If you’re not familiar, the novel Carrie was adapted into a film directed by Brian De Palma and starring Sissy Spacek. The movie is famous for its dramatic prom scene, where Carrie is covered in blood. However, that scene represents just a small part of the much larger and more complex story found in the book, which explores many themes and details not included in the film adaptation.

Mike Flanagan revisited the source material, incorporating additional elements from the book. He then drew inspiration from real-life bullying incidents happening across America, using them to make this new adaptation relatable. He explored the story through three perspectives: the parents and their reactions, the school staff – I play the principal – and the students themselves.

What really makes this production special is Mike’s ability to tell a story. He’s exceptionally talented, especially when adapting Stephen King’s work. He paces the story perfectly, approaches the material thoughtfully, and creates very believable characters. The cast is also fantastic, featuring impressive young actors. Summer Howell is amazing as Carrie, and Samantha Sloyan delivers a standout performance as the mother – a truly iconic role for her.

I’m incredibly thrilled to be a part of Mike Flanagan’s projects – it’s been a career highlight. The people I’ve worked with have become close friends, and the whole experience has been amazing.

Carrie is the story of a lonely high school student who has grown up sheltered and controlled by her deeply religious mother. After her father unexpectedly dies, Carrie struggles to navigate life and her relationship with her mother, all while facing intense bullying at school. As the harassment reaches its worst point, Carrie discovers she has powerful, uncontrollable telekinetic abilities.

The upcoming series features Summer H. Howell as Carrie White, with Samantha Sloyan playing her mother, Margaret White. Siena Agudong will portray Sue Snell, and Alison Thornton is Chris Hargensen. Josie Toah plays Tina Blake, Arthur Conti is Billy Nolan, Joel Oulette is Tommy Ross, and Amber Midthunder is Rita Desjardian. Matthew Lillard joins the cast as Principal Grayle, and the series will also include guest appearances by Heather Graham, Kate Siegel, Michael Trucco, Rahul Kohli, and others.

Mike Flanagan is continuing his work with Stephen King stories, with Carrie being his fourth adaptation following Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, and The Life of Chuck. He also plans to adapt The Mist. Currently, Prime Video’s version of Carrie is expected to be released around October 2026, though a firm release date hasn’t been announced yet.

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2026-03-01 18:19