Mike Flanagan reimagines 'Carrie' for new generation facing cyberbullying, active shooter drills

TORONTO (REUTERS) -- “Carrie” returns this week in a new eight-part adaptation from horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan, reimagining author Stephen King’s classic story for a modern audience through social media, ​cyberbullying and active shooter drills.

Speaking to Reuters, Flanagan said he never expected ‌to revisit “Carrie,” but his perspective shifted as his son was getting ready to enter high school.

“There were so many ideas in ‘Carrie’ that feel even more relevant today than they did half a century ago ​when the book was written,” Flanagan said. “I thought we could do something really new ​with it.”

The series follows a socially isolated teenager struggling to fit in ⁠at high school while navigating a complicated relationship with her overprotective mother, played by ​Samantha Sloyan. The adaptation updates King’s 1974 novel with issues facing teenagers in the modern ​era.

Summer H. Howell, who plays Carrie White, said she was initially intimidated by taking on an iconic role but that the opportunity to explore the character over eight episodes appealed to her.

“It was a little ​intimidating,” Howell said. “But then I realized that they were going for something different with ​this Carrie, and there was more time to explore her story.”

Matthew Lillard, who plays Principal Henry Grayle, ‌said the ⁠show’s themes resonated with him as a parent because of online harassment and the pressures facing teenagers.

“My kids are subjected to the horrific trolls that live in the darkness of the internet,” Lillard said.

Alison Thornton, who portrays Carrie’s antagonist Chris Hargensen, said social media has ​changed the nature of ​bullying.

“People feel way ⁠more comfortable bullying online than in person,” Thornton said. “They don’t really have to face the consequences.”

Flanagan said he wanted every character in “Carrie” to ​feel real and complicated, while exploring the choices people make between ​cruelty and ⁠kindness.

Sloyan said the series also highlights personal responsibility.

“I also do think that he is putting a spotlight on the fact that we do have choice and there is an agency we ⁠have within ​that,” she said, adding that the show explores “the humanity ​involved.”

Howell said the series ultimately carries a simple message: “Be kind to one another, even when you’re not feeling great ​yourself.”

“Carrie” streams globally on Amazon Prime Video beginning on Wednesday.