From Polygon · Jake Kleinman · · 1m 10s
Carrie Showrunner Confirms Stephen King's Role in Changes
Stephen King's ideas drove major changes to the 2026 Carrie series.
In brief
Stephen King's ideas drove major changes to the 2026 Carrie series. Stephen King approved key updates to the 2026 Carrie series including expanded psychic powers and a surviving protagonist. Originally reported by Polygon.
Showrunner's first step
Mike Flanagan consulted Stephen King before adapting the 1970 novella into an eight-episode 2026 series.
“There's no world where i'm doing anything like that without talking to steve about it first”
King's involvement
Stephen King approved major changes to the 2026 Carrie series including expanded psychic powers and a surviving protagonist.
“Steve believed very much that the story had already been told as he had written it”
The Shine concept
Carrie White is one of many women with psychic powers called the Shine, a term king referenced in the original book.
“If steve had written this book just a little later in his career, i think he would've been calling it the shine”
Carrie survives
Carrie White survives the story, a change king approved to expand the narrative universe.
“We all, including steve, agreed that this version of carrie deserved to survive the story”
Emaline's role
Emaline appears as a friend who later reveals she's real and guides carrie through astral projection.
“I see so much discourse about emaline, which was the character king had the most input into”
King's excitement
King focused on expanding the universe rather than staying true to the original book's ending.
“Steve loves de palma's movie, and i agree. it's perfect. but his whole excitement here was that this is a great opportunity to expand the world”
Where to watch
The 2026 Carrie series streams on prime video with king's approval of major changes.
“Carrie is streaming now on prime video”
At a glance
Stephen King approved key updates to the 2026 Carrie series including expanded psychic powers and a surviving protagonist.
