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Stephen King’s New Masterpiece Is Officially One of HBO Max’s Biggest Streaming Hits
Director Mike Flanagan, behind acclaimed Stephen King adaptations including Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Hill House, is bringing King's debut novel Carrie to television through Amazon MGM Studios and his Red Room Pictures production company. The series stars Summer Howell as the titular character, alongside Matthew Lillard, Amber Midthunder, and Katee Sackhoff, with the goal of creating a contemporary interpretation that retains the novel's horror core. The television version arrives this year, positioned to coincide with the publication's 50th anniversary milestone.
Elsewhere, Francis Lawrence's The Long Walk adaptation has emerged as an unexpected streaming success following a modest theatrical run. Despite generating $63 million globally against a $20 million production budget—a shortfall by commercial standards—the film has resurfaced as the most-watched title on HBO Max in the United States, outpacing major releases including The Mummy, the horror film Undertone, and Deadpool 2. The reversal demonstrates renewed audience appetite for King property across streaming platforms.
In short
- Mike Flanagan's Carrie adaptation for Amazon MGM Studios debuts in 2026 with Summer Howell starring, modernising King's debut novel for its 50th anniversary
- The Long Walk, a King adaptation that underperformed theatrically at $63 million, has become HBO Max's most-watched film in the U.S.
Explained simply
Stephen King is one of the most widely adapted authors in the world, with his horror and suspense novels regularly made into films and television series. His stories have inspired hundreds of adaptations, from major film releases to streaming shows. This ongoing popularity reflects both the quality of his writing and the broad appeal of his various stories.
Director Mike Flanagan has become one of the most successful contemporary creators of Stephen King adaptations, producing critically acclaimed television series and films. He and his production company Red Room Pictures are currently developing multiple King projects for streaming platforms, including a new television series based on Carrie, King's debut novel from 1974. The series will feature established actors and aims to offer a fresh interpretation of the story for modern audiences.
Streaming services have become the primary way audiences now watch Stephen King adaptations, with major platforms investing in his catalogue of works. This reflects how entertainment viewing habits have changed, with more people watching content through streaming subscriptions rather than visiting cinemas. The strong viewership of King's various adaptations across streaming platforms demonstrates that his stories continue to appeal to audiences today.