Horror master Mike Flanagan, well-known for his thrilling Netflix series and films, is making a move to Amazon for a new project based on a Stephen King classic. Flanagan, the creator behind hits like The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor, has signed on to adapt an eight-episode series based on King’s 1974 novel, ‘Carrie’.
This new series marks Flanagan’s collaboration with the prolific horror author once again, following his direction of Warner Bros’ 2019 film adaptation of King’s novel, Doctor Sleep. Flanagan will not only be directing the series but also serving as an executive producer alongside Trevor Macy. ‘Carrie’, King’s first published novel, narrates the story of a high school girl who, after being bullied, discovers her telekinetic abilities. The novel was first brought to the screen in 1976, with Sissy Spacek starring as the lead character.
Alongside Flanagan’s adaptation of ‘Carrie’, other projects translating King’s works to the screen have been announced. Jack Bender is directing an adaptation of King’s 2019 book, ‘The Institute’, while Edgar Wright is working on a new version of ‘The Running Man’, originally released in 1982. Francis Lawrence is also collaborating with Lionsgate on an adaptation of ‘The Long Walk’, penned by King under the pseudonym Richard Bachman in 1979.
In addition to ‘Doctor Sleep’, Flanagan has previously adapted King’s novel ‘Gerald’s Game’ and the novella ‘The Life of Chuck’. ‘The Life of Chuck’, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, has received praise from critics and King himself. The film, starring Tom Hiddleston and Karen Gillan, unfolds in reverse, showcasing Chuck’s life from end to beginning.
Despite not having a release date yet, ‘The Life of Chuck’ has already been heralded as a potential standout King adaptation. King, known for his candid opinions, has criticised Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of ‘The Shining’ in the past. He has expressed discontent with the portrayal of characters and the film as a whole.
Flanagan’s latest project with Amazon promises an exciting adaptation of a beloved King novel, adding to the growing list of screen translations of the author’s works in recent years. King fans can anticipate a fresh take on ‘Carrie’, led by Flanagan’s expertise in the horror genre.