Talk about perfect timing for a prom night from hell. Just as we’re all still catching our breath from Mike Flanagan’s “Fall of the House of Usher,” Amazon drops an absolute bombshell — they’ve found their new Carrie White, and the choice is deliciously perfect.
Summer H. Howell, fresh from terrorizing audiences in the “Chucky” franchise, will don that infamous blood-soaked prom dress in Amazon’s eight-episode reimagining of Stephen King’s classic tale. And honestly? The casting couldn’t be more spot-on if they’d used telekinesis to make it happen.
But wait — it gets better.
The series has assembled what might be 2025’s most compelling ensemble cast. Samantha Sloyan (yeah, that powerhouse from Flanagan’s repertory company) is stepping into the role of Margaret White. Anyone who’s seen her work knows she’ll bring that perfect mix of terrifying zealotry and twisted maternal love that makes Margaret such a fascinating monster.
Speaking of perfect fits — Matthew Lillard as Principal Grayle? Genius. Pure genius. The man who gave us both “Scream” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s” brings exactly the kind of genre credibility this project needs. Plus, let’s be real — who better to navigate the chaos of a supernaturally gifted teenager than someone who’s survived Ghostface?
The halls of Bates High (still such a deliciously on-the-nose name) will be crawling with fresh talent. Siena Agudong takes on Sue Snell, while Alison Thornton steps into the designer shoes of mean girl supreme Chris Hargensen. Amber Midthunder — who absolutely killed it in “Prey” last year — brings her considerable talents to the role of Miss Desjardin.
Flanagan’s involvement as showrunner practically guarantees this won’t be your mother’s “Carrie.” His signature touch for psychological horror and complex family dynamics suggests we’re in for something special. After all, this is the guy who turned “The Haunting of Hill House” into a meditation on grief and trauma. Imagine what he’ll do with King’s meditation on teenage isolation and revenge…
The supporting cast rounds out with some fascinating choices: Josie Totah as Tina, Arthur Conti taking on Billy, and Joel Oulette as Tommy. Each brings something unique to this pressure cooker of supernatural teen angst.
Look, we’ve seen “Carrie” adapted before — some versions better than others (looking at you, 2013). But something about this combination of talent, timing, and vision feels… different. Maybe it’s because stories about isolation and bullying hit differently in our hyper-connected world. Or perhaps it’s just that Flanagan hasn’t missed yet.
Either way, when those cameras start rolling next month, something wicked this way comes. And darling? It’s going to be absolutely magnificent.
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