Mike Flanagan's new adaptation of Carrie has rapidly climbed the Prime Video charts in the United States. This surge in viewership is reportedly driving a seasonal resurgence for Stanley Kubrick's 1980 horror classic, The Shining, on HBO Max.
Mike Flanagan's 'Carrie' Secures the #3 Spot on Prime Video
The new serries, starring Summer C. Howell as the telekinetic protagonist, has quickly become a major hit for streaming audiences. As reported by the source, the production currently holds the position of the third-most-watched title on Prime Video in the U.S. the series follows the titular teenager as her supernatural powers awaken following a traumatic move to a public school.
The production has garnered significant interest due to its high-profile ensemble cast. Alongside Howell, the series features Samantha Sloyan, Amber Midthunder, and Matthew Lillard. This combination of Flanagan's directorial style and a strong cast has helped the series establish itself as a major contender in the current streaming landscape.
The "Cadillac with no motor" rift between King and Kubrick
While Flanagan's work is trending, it highlights the historical tension between author Stephen King and director Stanley Kubrick. The popularity of Carrie has prompted viewers to revisit Kubrick's 1980 adaptation of The Shining, a film that remains a celebrated genre classic despite its creator's disapproval. The film famously stars Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall.
Stephen King has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with Kubrick's interpretation of his work. He famously described the cinematic version of The Shining as "a big, beautiful Cadillac with no motor inside." According to the report, King's primary grievances involved a perceived lack of "warmth" in the film and a fundamental dislike of how the two main characters were portrayed.
A streaming landscape fueled by Stephen King's library
The success of Flanagan's Carrie is part of a much larger trend where Stephen King's intellectual property dominates digital platforms. The source notes that last year, global audiences were captivated by a string of King-related titles, including The Life of Chuck, The Long Walk, and the Glen Powell-led The Running Man. Even the HBO spin-off series IT: Welcome to Derry found significant traction.
This pattern suggests that streaming services have found a reliable formula in King's horror-centric storytelling. By leveraging established literary IP, platforms like Prime Video and HBO Max are able to create seasonal anchors that drive consistent viewership, particularly during the "spooky season" months.
Which narrative deviations did Nate Richard flag at Collider?
Despite the series' popularity, it has not escaped critical scrutiny regarding its faithfulness to the original novel. In a review for Collider, critic Nate Richard admitted that "not every deviation works," suggesting that Flanagan's creative choices may not land for every viewer. While the review suggests the series is worth a watch for those who love the book, it highlights the inherent risks of adaptation.
This leaves several questions regarding the specific nature of these changes. It remains to be seen how much the series' departures from the text will impact its long-term legacy among King purists. As viewers flock to these adaptations,the debate between directorial vision and authorial intent continues to be a central theme of the horror genre.
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