Matthew Lillard Teases New Carrie TV Series With Chilling Details
Matthew Lillard says Mike Flanagan’s Carrie TV series is shaping up to be one of the most faithful Stephen King adaptations yet, dropping fresh details on the project, its cast, and why the long wait will be worth it.
Mike Flanagan is turning Stephen King's 'Carrie' into a TV series, and Matthew Lillard swears this one actually sticks to the book. He just dropped some new details, and if you're wondering whether a 2026 release is worth the wait, the answer sounds like a yes.
Flanagan being Flanagan: obsessive in the best way
Talking to GamesRadar+, Lillard said Flanagan's approach is laser-precise and wildly respectful of King's novel. They rehearsed for three weeks before cameras rolled, and Flanagan even built his own app so the team could track exactly where they were in the process at all times. That is a very Mike Flanagan move: nerdy, practical, and weirdly impressive.
"Carrie's brilliant. Mike Flanagan - who I worked with on Life of Chuck - is just the single greatest force of nature in this industry."
On top of that, Lillard says the series isn't just copying the 1976 Brian De Palma film. The show digs into parts of the book the movie didn't, and organizes the story around three groups of characters: teachers, parents, and students. The goal is a straight-from-the-pages adaptation instead of a highlight reel.
Lillard's role, and how close this version gets to King
Lillard plays Principal Grayle, one of the rare adults in the story who actually shows Carrie White some humanity. Different adaptations have treated that character in different ways, but Lillard hints this one sticks closer to King's original portrayal. He also can't stop hyping the young cast, saying the kids are, quote, freaking brilliant. Not exactly a shock with Flanagan, but still nice to hear.
The quick specifics
- Format: 8 episodes, giving the 304-page novel room to breathe instead of cramming it into a single movie
- Release window: 2026
- Where to watch: Prime Video, as part of Flanagan's new deal there
- Process details: 3-week rehearsal period; Flanagan built a custom app to track every stage of production
- Scope: A "purer" book adaptation than the 1976 film, pulling in storylines that were previously left on the floor
- Cast angle: Lillard as Principal Grayle; ensemble of students, parents, and teachers that the show treats as distinct tiers
- Tease factor: Lillard says the wait will be worth it
If you're keeping score at home: longer runway, deeper character focus, and Flanagan nerding out over process. All signs point to this being one of the most faithful King adaptations we've gotten in a long time. Now we just have to sit tight until 2026.