Why Mike Flanagan’s Carrie Update Will Be Unlike Anything You’ve Seen Before

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As a movie enthusiast, I find myself intrigued by filmmaker Mike Flanagan’s decision to revisit Stephen King’s seminal work, “Carrie,” first published in 1974 and subsequently adapted for the silver screen by Brian De Palma in 1976. The original movie played a pivotal role in catapulting King into the realm of pop culture stardom, becoming a cornerstone in his journey towards literary icon status.

The narrative revolves around Carrie White, a teenager endowed with telekinetic abilities, who unfortunately finds herself at the receiving end of torment from her peers and the oppressive grip of her deeply religious mother. The story takes a tragic turn when, after suffering through a disastrous prom night, Carrie unleashes her powers in a cataclysmic explosion of anger and despair.

The forthcoming “Carrie” series on Prime Video promises to breathe new life into this timeless tale by setting it against the backdrop of contemporary society, offering a fresh perspective on King’s chilling exploration of adolescence, bullying, and the consequences of unchecked religious zealotry.

In an interview with The Kingcast, Lillard – who portrays Principal Grayle – discusses why Flanagan is remaking Carrie. After reviewing all of the scripts, Lillard thinks that Flanagan has revitalized the essence of King’s narrative for contemporary audiences to ensure its themes remain current. He acknowledges that the story has been told effectively in the past, and there would be no merit in merely rehashing the same tale. Here’s what Lillard had to say: [insert full statement]

I went through all eight installments, but unfortunately, they were never produced. Reading ahead isn’t always possible, but the story is already penned down. I believe that Mike has once more extracted the essence of Steve’s original work when he created Carrie, and tailored it in a manner that remains true to Stephen’s early vision, while making it relatable for today’s young audience.

I’m not sure he’d have taken action if it weren’t for Mike clearly defining who Carrie is and making it clear that we don’t need to see her again anymore. Essentially, Mike has deciphered its significance at this point. Regarding the Psycho remake shot-for-shot…why bother? Just watch the classic original instead.

What This Means For Carrie

Carrie Won’t Retread The Same Ground

As a seasoned movie enthusiast, I find myself immersed in the chilling tale of ‘Carrie’ that has been reimagined thrice – the iconic 1976 film, the 2002 TV adaptation, and more recently, the 2013 remake featuring the captivating Chloë Grace Moretz. It’s also worth mentioning a largely overlooked sequel from 1999, ‘The Rage: Carrie 2’. With this extensive collection of adaptations already gracing our screens, Lillard’s sentiment rings true – we hardly require another rendition that treads the same narrative path.

While Brian De Palma’s version may not have adhered to every scene from the concise novel, it remains a compelling retelling and endures as a timeless horror masterpiece.

Revisiting “Carrie” from a fresh perspective is justified because the story of a tormented teenager remains relevant, and the classic horror narrative continues to offer rich material, even after more than half a century. Although Stephen King or any of the original “Carrie” cast haven’t specified the details of the modern updates, it is likely that technology will be integrated into the production. The harsh reality of Carrie being ostracized by her peers can be intensified when contrasted with the technological advancements from 1974 to the present.

Our Take On Carrie Changing The Source Material

The Novel & 1976 Movie Still Exist

Flanagan is well-versed in bringing King’s stories to life, having directed films like Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, and the upcoming Life of Chuck. Notably, Doctor Sleep significantly altered the original material, as Flanagan rewrote almost all of the third act. Given Carrie’s enduring themes, an updated version seems fitting.

Since the book “Carrie” has been remade several times, people can choose to re-experience the original novel, the 1976 film, or any other adaptation. However, we’ll have to wait as production for the series starts this summer, and a release date is yet to be disclosed. With Brian De Palma’s previous success in adapting Stephen King, I am confident that his take on “Carrie” will be another hit.

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2025-06-04 22:08