Mike Flanagan, renowned for his compelling adaptations of Stephen King’s works, is set to helm a new television series based on King’s debut novel, Carrie. This eight-episode series, commissioned by Amazon, marks Flanagan’s first project under his exclusive deal with Amazon MGM Studios. Flanagan will serve as the showrunner, writer, executive producer, and director for select episodes, collaborating with producer Trevor Macy

In a recent interview, Flanagan shared that Stephen King’s initial reaction to the project was one of reluctance. King expressed concern, stating, “Leave her alone. She’s been through enough.” However, after reviewing the series’ concept and vision, King became intrigued, remarking, “Ohh, now I’m interested, just as a fan. I’m excited to see where this goes.” Flanagan emphasized that King’s approval was crucial to moving forward with the adaptation .

Flanagan’s adaptation aims to modernize the story, focusing on the impact of contemporary technology and social dynamics. He explained, “We’re focused way more on the destruction of a community through these very modern tools. What happens in a world where the internet has created an environment of perceived anonymity?” This approach seeks to explore the themes of isolation and bullying in a digital age, offering a fresh perspective on the classic narrative .

The series will delve deeper into the lives of its characters, moving beyond Carrie White’s telekinetic abilities. Flanagan stated, “It’s about much more than Carrie White. We’re not retelling the story as it’s been told, and we’re not making a show about telekinesis. It’s in there, but that’s not what it’s about.” This narrative expansion aims to provide a more comprehensive exploration of the characters and their experiences .

Casting for the series includes Summer H. Howell as Carrie White and Samantha Sloyan as Margaret White, Carrie’s fanatically religious and abusive mother. Sloyan, a frequent collaborator of Flanagan, is known for her roles in Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Hill House

Flanagan’s previous works, such as Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, and The Life of Chuck, have been praised for their emotional depth and faithful adaptations of King’s stories. With Carrie, Flanagan aims to continue this tradition, offering a modern and nuanced interpretation of a beloved classic.

Filming for the Carrie series is scheduled to begin this summer in Vancouver, with a release date to be announced. Fans of Flanagan’s work and Stephen King’s original novel can look forward to a fresh and thought-provoking take on the iconic story.