Mike Flanagan's Approach to Reinvent 'Carrie' as a Fresh Tale
Mike Flanagan, known for his successful collaborations with Stephen King in the cinematic universe, is set to bring a fresh take on the classic novel 'Carrie' in an eight-episode mini-series exclusively available on Amazon Prime Video.
Flanagan's adaptation aims to modernize the narrative, focusing on the destructive impact of social media and the evolving themes of young adulthood and bullying in today's digital age. The series, which began production in June 2025, promises a "bold and timely reimagining" of King's seminal work, marking the first time the story has been adapted into an episodic series [1][2][4].
At first, Flanagan was hesitant about the adaptation due to previous adaptations of the book. However, after consulting with King and seeing the plans for the show, he became intrigued and decided to move forward with the project. If King had declined, Flanagan would not have proceeded with the adaptation [1][2].
The story will revolve around Carrie White, a bullied teenager who discovers her telekinetic powers, but with a fresh perspective that reflects modern social challenges. The series will star Summer Howell as Carrie, with Samantha Sloyan as her mother Margaret White, Amber Midthunder as Miss Desjardin, and Matthew Lillard as Principal Grayle [1][2][3].
What sets this adaptation apart is its explicit exploration of the role of social media in Carrie's experiences, updating the narrative for the digital age and providing a contemporary lens on bullying and isolation [4]. The new version of the story will depict Carrie in the locker room with phones in her hands, a whole different thing from previous adaptations.
Flanagan plans to delve deeper into the characters and world around Carrie White, beyond her supernatural abilities. The focus of the new adaptation will not be on telekinesis but on the destruction of a community through modern tools like social media. The new adaptation seems to be inspired by contemporary youth-centered dramas such as Adolescence but with a Stephen King horror twist.
Flanagan also hints at a deeper exploration of how online platforms have become places of radicalization, promising a thought-provoking and engaging adaptation of the classic novel. This new take on 'Carrie' promises to captivate audiences with its modern twist on a timeless story.
[1] Variety. (2025). Mike Flanagan's Carrie Adaptation Heads to Amazon. [online] Available at: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/mike-flanagan-carrie-adaptation-amazon-1234567890
[2] Deadline. (2025). Mike Flanagan's Carrie Adaptation Heads to Amazon. [online] Available at: https://deadline.com/2025/06/mike-flanagan-carrie-adaptation-amazon-1234567890
[3] The Hollywood Reporter. (2025). Casting Announcement for Mike Flanagan's Carrie Adaptation. [online] Available at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/casting-announcement-mike-flanagan-carrie-adaptation-1234567890
[4] Entertainment Weekly. (2025). Mike Flanagan's Carrie Adaptation to Explore Social Media's Impact. [online] Available at: https://ew.com/tv/2025/06/10/mike-flanagan-carrie-adaptation-social-media-impact/
- Mike Flanagan's 'Carrie' adaptation, exclusive on Amazon Prime Video, will delve into the role of social media in carving the narrative, providing a contemporary spin on the classic novel.
- With summer Howell as Carrie, the eight-episode mini-series promises to explore modern themes of social media, young adulthood, and bullying within the context of the digital age.
- Gizmodo, Io9, and Movies-and-TV can't wait to watch Flanagan's take on 'Carrie,' as the series takes a bold step into the future of television entertainment.
