"It proved to be irresistible": Mike Flanagan opens up about why he broke his no-remake rule for Carrie

Stephen King's iconic debut book, Carrie, is getting a fresh adaptation from the popular director Mike Flanagan. The announcement has shocked many viewers because Flanagan formerly maintained a strict personal rule against sequels and remakes. However, this director recently broke the rule and explained why this specific project proved impossible to resist.

After years of several adaptations, including Brian De Palma's classic movie and Kimberly Peirce's version, Flanagan believes there is still additional ground to explore with this terrifying story.

His upcoming Amazon limited show promises to bring a different perspective to the story of a bullied teen discovering her threatening telekinetic abilities. The filmmaker's decision marks a massive shift in his creative approach, suggesting that some tales deserve different interpretations when approached from authentic, fresh angles. Flanagan has built his reputation on original horror productions, making this departure particularly notable among his followers.

Finding new territory in familiar stories through Carrie

Mike Flanagan discussed his decision to adapt Carrie, despite having several previous versions. The filmmaker emphasized that he found an approach that would cover territory the earlier movies did not explore. He explained that his version would focus on the story through a modern lens while maintaining the main elements that made King's book so compelling.

Flanagan noted that simply retelling the same story held no engagement for him. Instead, he found angles that felt relevant and timely to former audiences. This philosophy aligns with his broader creative style, seeking new perspectives rather than repeating what others have already covered.

The Doctor Sleep revelation before approaching Carrie

Mike Flanagan's path to Carrie actually started with another King adaptation. His 2019 movie, Doctor Sleep, a sequel to The Shining, fundamentally changed his thinking about revisiting existing stories. He described that project as exploring the opposite side of the same coin. He made the following statement.

"I've really enjoyed chasing the things that hadn't already been done, and trying to find new ways into them. And I used to say, 'No sequels,' that [Doctor Sleep] threw that in my face."

"It proved to be irresistible. The Shining is a story about alcoholism, and because Steve wrote this sequel of sorts, that is a story about recovery. It presented this thing of, 'Oh, we're painting the second side of the same coin; we're completing a story."

What the new series will explore

The upcoming Amazon show follows the core premise established by King in his book. Carrie centers on a socially isolated teenager raised by her controlling and oppressive mother. After enduring consistent bullying from those around her, the main character discovers she possesses telekinetic powers.

The show will delve into how these powers emerge and what happens when she uses them. Summer Howell will play the titular character, supported by a seasoned ensemble including Matthew Lillard, Amber Midthunder, and Samantha Sloyan. The cast brings together performers from various successful productions to bring Flanagan's vision to life.

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Mike Flanagan's adaptation of Carrie exemplifies his evolving perspective on remakes, particularly when authentic creative opportunities exist for new interpretations.

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