Mike Flanagan’s new Carrie remake update confirms he’s continuing one of his best actor trends from the past 10 years

From heart-wrenching to terrifying, Mike Flanagan defies expectations. His adaptations are always unique. Now, as he plans a new Carrie adaptation for the screen, fans of the franchise are both thrilled and apprehensive about the beloved Flanagan touch. Given his pattern, he will cast actors he associates with and trusts, which for this film includes Samantha Sloyan, drawing excitement because of Flanagan's previous works with her.

As a writer and filmmaker, he is known for melding deeply personal stories with supernatural horror. He has also repeatedly worked with the same few collaborators. He is best known for The Haunting of Hill House, followed by Midnight Mass and The Fall of the House of Usher. This trend of director-actor loyalty is the reason behind some of modern horror’s best performances. And now, with Carrie, he hopes to continue that trend--albeit in a much darker way.

This new series is coming out just when King adaptations are starting to see a renaissance. What makes Flanagan’s work stand out is its psychological depth, seamlessly woven into grounded terror. While reimagining Carrie, he has more than enough room to dive deeper into the trauma, repression, and inner horror that lies in the heart of King’s novel. And with the help of quiet, familiar faces, the emotional weight will surely come alive.

Samantha Sloyan returns in a major role that plays to her strengths

With Sloyan’s casting as Margaret White, it’s not just another Mike Flanagan collaboration. It is a mark of how deeply the director cares about the character. Sloyan entered the Flanagan-verse with Hush (2016) and has ever since been one of his most reliable and flexible performers, often specializing in morally ambiguous or downright evil roles.

Her portrayal of Bev Keane in Midnight Mass is perhaps one of the most tender horror villain performances in television history. Equally impactful was Sloyan’s Tamerlane Usher from The Fall of the House of Usher, where she delivered the potent charm of disguised poison. It is hard to imagine anyone but Sloyan in the role of Margaret White—the abusive, fanatically religious mother who psychologically tortures her daughter with dread and humiliation. She is sure to bring some fresh psychological layers to the character.

Mike Flanagan’s casting loyalty continues in Carrie with another familiar face

Trending

Matthew Lillard joins Sloyan in the series, where he will portray Principal Grayle of Ewen High School. It seems Lillard’s role indicates that Mike Flanagan is still intent on casting Carrie with familiar collaborators.

Meanwhile, considering the focus of the story is on teenagers, it probably means most of the casting for the leading roles will be younger. While some of Flanagan’s regular adult actor ensemble might return, possibly in lesser roles as teacher or parent cameos, the show will have to cast younger actors to serve as the emotional center of the narrative. Still, given the extensive mentorship relationships Mike Flanagan maintains, it is unlikely his hallmark casting trend will change any time soon.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback