Over 1,000 Actors Auditioned to Play Carrie White: Meet the One Who Got the Role

Prime Video announced Saturday at San Diego Comic-Con that it will release all eight episodes of its original series “Carrie,” also based on the titular King novel, on Oct. 7 in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. The announcement wrapped up a Comic-Con panel that kicked off with the debut of the official teaser trailer for the series, showrunner Mike Flanagan’s contemporary retelling of King’s story. Flanagan ended the panel by unveiling the release date for the show and a new key art tied to the story’s infamous prom.

The first television adaptation of King’s debut novel, “Carrie,” tells the tragic story of outcast high schooler Carrie White, and was cast this fall from an audition process where more than 1,000 actresses auditioned for the title role, where she is hidden at home with her domineering, fiercely devout mother, Margaret.

After her father’s untimely death, her world is turned upside down, sending her out into the rigors of public high school where a devastating school scandal, the pressures of the social media age, and the sudden awakening of telekinetic powers intersect with the natural ups and downs of adolescence.” “Carrie” stars Howell as the titular outcast, with a cast also featuring Siena Agudong as Sue Snell, Alison Thornton as Chris Hargensen, Joel Oulette as Tommy Ross, Josie Totah as Tina, Arthur Conti as Billy, Thalia Dudek as Emaline, Amber Midthunder as Miss Desjardin and Matthew Lillard as Principal Grayle. Flanagan, whose credits include Netflix’s “Midnight Mass” and “The Haunting of Hill House,” wrote and executive produces, and will direct four of the eight episodes. King, who also serves as executive producer on the series, originally published his novel in 1974.

To date, his books have sold more than 350 million copies worldwide, and have been translated into more than 35 languages, with “Carrie” charting 14 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list.

A film adaptation by Brian De Palma earned an Oscar nomination and is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Amazon MGM Studios produced the series; King previously executive produced an adaptation of 2002’s “Carrie,” which he described as “not even decent” in his “Carrie” adaptation announcement this past spring while talking about Flanagan’s “so much more faithful and nuanced” take on his horror.