New Casting News for Mike Flanagan’s Carrie Adaptation
Mike Flanagan’s highly anticipated television adaptation of Carrie has recently welcomed a new cast member. This role, which originally brought acclaim to an Academy Award-winning actor and singer, is part of a project that aims to breathe new life into Stephen King’s iconic work. Originally published as a novel in 1974, the tale was first adapted into film by Brian de Palma in 1976, achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success, as well as receiving two Academy Award nominations. This initial success led to a sequel in 1999, two remakes, and even a stage musical, setting the stage for Flanagan’s current efforts, first reported in October of the previous year.
According to Deadline, Siena Agudong, known for her role in The 4:30 Movie, has been selected to portray Sue Snell, a character previously depicted by Amy Irving in the 1976 adaptation and Gabriella Wilde in the 2013 version. This announcement aligns with news about Summer H. Howell, who is reportedly in contention for the lead role of Carrie. Although a formal series pickup is still pending, production is slated to commence this summer in Vancouver.
It’s worth noting that Kandyse McClure also provided a portrayal of Sue Snell in the 2002 television remake of Carrie, while Irving returned to the character in 1999’s The Rage: Carrie 2.
Implications for Flanagan’s Carrie Series
Siena Agudong’s Horror Background Compared to Co-Star
The recent casting news reflects a significant acceleration in Flanagan’s project since its announcement last October. With Flanagan concurrently working on another adaptation of King’s Dark Tower for Prime Video and taking on a new version of The Exorcist, it appears his focus will increasingly lean towards Carrie for the foreseeable future.
Agudong’s involvement represents a shift from her past roles, primarily within the realms of comedy, such as her work on Nickelodeon’s Star Falls and Disney’s Upside-Down Magic. While she has dabbled in horror through Netflix’s Resident Evil series, her experience pales in comparison to that of her rumored co-star, Howell. The latter boasts a robust portfolio of horror films, including titles like The Midnight Man, Hunter Hunter, Harland Manor, and the 2024 slasher Time Cut.
Thoughts on Agudong as Sue Snell
The Freedom of Character Development
While Agudong predominantly comes from a comedic background, this casting will potentially enhance her versatility by allowing her to explore one of King’s most crucial characters in a fresh context. It remains uncertain how Flanagan will reinterpret the narrative; however, the original novel is largely conveyed through Sue’s viewpoint, emphasizing her desire to support the troubled lead character, Carrie.
Flanagan’s choice to develop Carrie as a television series offers a unique advantage: an extended runtime that enables deeper character exploration, potentially granting Agudong more room to shape Sue Snell than her onscreen predecessors. Given Flanagan’s growing reputation for masterfully adapting King’s stories, this new series holds the promise of surpassing even the acclaimed 1976 film, which is frequently heralded as one of the best adaptations of King’s works.
Source: Deadline