Mike Flanagan’s New ‘Carrie’ Series Promises the Best Adaptation Yet

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Summary

  • Carrie is one of Stephen King’s most adapted novels, with multiple film versions.
  • Mike Flanagan’s track record with King’s work may lead to a fresh TV series adaptation.
  • Flanagan’s approach offers a unique way to tell the story, potentially subverting audience expectations.

It’s possible that the next highly anticipated movie or series adapting Stephen King’s work might be a revisit to a tale that viewers have previously encountered on three occasions. Over the years, Stephen King’s horror stories have struck a chord with readers, earning him a reputation as one of the most influential authors in modern horror literature. His works have been translated into various film and television productions, such as “Salem’s Lot,” “It,” and “The Shining.

In 1974, Stephen King’s initial novel, titled “Carrie,” was transformed into a movie, marking the beginning of his works being adapted for the big screen. The narrative revolves around Carrie, an unassuming teenager enduring torment at home from her fanatically religious mother and at school from bullies. Her suppressed telekinetic abilities explode in a violent act of retribution against those who harmed her, creating a chilling tale that has since become a horror classic. Over the years, “Carrie” has been adapted multiple times, but with acclaimed director Mike Flanagan at the helm for the upcoming adaptation, some may be intrigued to see what new interpretations this legendary story might offer.

Carrie Is One Of Stephen King’s Most Adapted Novels

In 1976, the 1974 novel “Carrie” was swiftly transformed onto the big screen, with Sissy Spacek portraying the titular character. Brian De Palma directed this adaptation, which stands out as a significant milestone in his career. Additionally, the film provided an early opportunity for John Travolta to showcase his talents. The climactic prom scene, filled with blood and fire, is still remembered as one of cinema’s most gripping endings, solidifying “Carrie” as a horror classic. Interestingly, De Palma’s interpretation of the novel is the only one to have spawned a sequel. A separate script, “The Rage: Carrie 2,” was released in 1999, which focused on Carrie’s younger half-sister rather than any further exploration of Stephen King’s original novel.

In the year 2002, a television movie adaptation of “Carrie” was released, penned by Bryan Fuller, who is known for creating shows like “Dead Like Me” and “Pushing Daisies.” Angela Bettis took on the role of Carrie, but this adaptation received criticism as it failed to bring anything fresh to the story, with De Palma’s version still being considered superior. Another film adaptation emerged in 2013, directed by Kimberly Peirce, who had previously worked on “Boys Don’t Cry.” Chloë Grace Moretz starred as Carrie in this version, but it was criticized for being an unneeded rehash of the material. After nearly half a century, many still believe that the 1976 adaptation remains the finest interpretation of King’s first novel.

Mike Flanagan Has A Stellar History With Stephen King

Carrie has made multiple appearances previously, but Mike Flanagan is well-known for his successful adaptations of Stephen King’s works. Flanagan began his exploration of King’s literature through Netflix’s 2017 thriller “Gerald’s Game”, featuring Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood. Critics and viewers alike were taken aback by Gugino’s powerful performance and the intense tension Flanagan created in a small-scale setting. The film also included memorable scenes, such as the gripping handcuff escape sequence, which continues to linger in the minds of viewers.

In the sequel to Stephen King’s “The Shining,” titled “Doctor Sleep,” Flanagan will delve next. Interestingly, King isn’t a fan of Stanley Kubrick’s interpretation of “The Shining,” yet Flanagan received the author’s approval to create a continuation that combines elements from the 1980 film with the plot of King’s 2013 novel, “Doctor Sleep.” The movie version of “Doctor Sleep” was warmly received by critics and audiences for its suspenseful thrills typical of King’s stories and the character development that Flanagan is skilled at. However, it didn’t quite meet expectations in theaters.

Apart from Flanagan’s upcoming movie “Carrie,” he is also engaged in a project titled “The Life of Chuck,”, which is set to be released in theaters and is an adaptation of King’s novella with the same title. This film boasts a high-profile cast, with Tom Hiddleston as the main lead, and has been receiving praise similar to Flanagan’s previous King adaptations. In addition to his upcoming “Carrie” adaptation, Flanagan is also developing a TV series centered around King’s “Dark Tower” series. Although this show is yet to be released, it’s clear that the director has numerous plans for bringing King’s cherished works to life on various platforms.

Mike Flanagan’s Carrie Could Be A Fresh Take On The Story

Since Carrie has already been remade multiple times, with each new version appearing increasingly superfluous, some viewers might not be thrilled about another take on this cherished book. Nevertheless, Flanagan’s proven ability in adapting Stephen King’s works could generate anticipation.

Instead of just focusing on his movie career, Flanagan’s choice to develop Carrie as a TV series provides an innovative opportunity to expand the narrative in depth. Unlike novels adapted into films, which often have to omit material or miss beloved aspects, this new adaptation of Carrie could potentially still trim elements but, by spreading the story across multiple hours of television, it might present a more powerful way to tell the supernatural tale. This approach has the possibility to surprise audiences who believe they already understand how the story will unfold.

Flanagan has shown success even in short-lived horror series, such as “The Haunting of Hill House”, “Midnight Mass”, and “The Fall of the House of Usher”. This director excels at creating gripping TV shows that gain strength from well-developed characters. The terror is derived not just from jump scares but also from a palpable tension that deepens as viewers immerse themselves in the story’s environment.

The main actors for the upcoming series “Carrie” have been revealed, featuring Summer Howell as the lead character alongside Matthew Lillard and Amber Midthunder. Despite some skepticism about another adaptation of “Carrie”, the shift from film to television and Flanagan’s past work with King’s stories create an intriguing possibility for a gripping, spine-tingling portrayal of the character.

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2025-06-06 19:14