Prime Video has officially ordered a new limited series adaptation of Carrie, the iconic horror tale that marked Stephen King’s debut novel in 1974. The eight-episode reimagining will be written and showrun by Mike Flanagan, who is also set to direct select episodes.
Flanagan, known for films such as Oculus and Gerald’s Game, and series such as Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Hill House, will also executive produce alongside frequent collaborator Trevor Macy. The project is being produced by Amazon MGM Studios and comes as part of the studio’s ongoing push to develop series based on MGM’s film library.
A “Bold and Timely” Reimagining
The series is described as “a bold and timely reimagining of the story of misfit high-schooler Carrie White, who has spent her life in seclusion with her domineering mother. After her father’s sudden and untimely death, Carrie finds herself contending with the alien landscape of public high school, a bullying scandal that shatters her community, and the emergence of mysterious telekinetic powers.”
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Casting is well underway. Variety has reported that with Summer H. Howell (Hunter Hunter) is in negotiations to take on the title role. Siena Agudong (Resident Evil) has been cast as Sue Snell, a character who plays a key role in Carrie’s journey. Production is expected to begin this summer in Vancouver.
Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios, said in a statement: “Carrie is an iconic story that has withstood the test of time with continued cultural relevance. With Mike Flanagan at the helm and the accomplished team assembled including executive producer Trevor Macy this provocative series is sure to captivate our global customers.”
A Familiar Name in King’s Universe
Flanagan is no stranger to King’s world. He previously directed the feature adaptation of Doctor Sleep, the sequel to The Shining, and brought Gerald’s Game to life on Netflix. He most recently completed a film adaptation of King’s The Life of Chuck, which stars Tom Hiddleston and is set for release this year. Plus, he holds the rights to adapt The Dark Tower series.
While the new Carrie series is not Flanagan’s first King project, it marks his first for Prime Video and comes at a time when the streamer is actively reimagining several classic MGM titles, including Tomb Raider, Poltergeist, and Legally Blonde.
King’s Carrie has seen numerous adaptations across the decades. The story was first adapted for the screen in Brian De Palma’s 1976 film, followed by The Rage: Carrie 2 in 1999, a 2002 television movie, and a 2013 remake starring Chloë Grace Moretz. The novel has also been adapted into a short-lived Broadway musical and featured in a musical-themed episode of Riverdale, which centred around the stage production. Prime Video’s upcoming series marks the first time the book will be adapted as a television series, offering a longer-form take on King’s debut novel.
