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CARRIE Series Is the Best Adaptation Since the Original Film (Review)
- Mike Flanagan’s series remake of Stephen King’s Carrie does the impossible, and manages to create a new version that stands on its own, and justifies its existence.
- Flanagan’s version updated the story to reflect the modern day, but recognizes what makes King’s original story so compelling.
- The cast, especially Summer H. Howell, Samantha Sloyan, and Alison Thornton, elevate this version of Carrie into something different and more nuanced than previous versions.
- Nerdist’s Take: Mike Flanagan’s Carrie confirms no one is better at adapting Stephen King material than he is, even ones that have multiple versions out there already.
Brian De Palma’s adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie is one of the greatest horror films of all time, and one of my personal favorite films ever. For fifty years, it has stood the test of time, thanks to the incredible performances of Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie. I’ve believed that every sequel and reboot since (three altogether) has been a misfire, or just a pointless cash grab. And let’s not get started on the Broadway musical that was not great at all. So needless to say, I approached this new Prime Video Carrie series from Mike Flanagan with a very raised eyebrow. But Flanagan proved that no one is more adept at adapting Stephen King for modern audiences than he is, because Carrie succeeds in almost every way.
Prime Video
Being a film, De Palma’s original 1976 Carrie had to function in a totally different way. Movies aren’t television, obviously. You have a limited time, usually two hours, to tell a story. And there isn’t much time to establish who a character is and their entire motivation. You might just have one scene that lasts a minute or two to do that. So things have to play broadly, go bigger. Television, especially modern TV, has the luxury of being able to take its time, and give nuance where none existed before. And in Flanagan’s Carrie, this approach truly pays off in spades.
Prime Video
The eight part Mike Flanagan series hits all the major notes from King’s book that you’d expect, but makes changes to fit a contemporary setting. But the biggest change might be in the characters of Carrie and Margaret White. In this version, Carrie has been raised in complete secrecy by her religious, conspiracy-minded parents. She has no social security number, and no one knows she exists until her father dies in a tragic accident. When she’s discovered as a young teen, her mother is forced to place her in public school. But even though she’s rightfully timid, she has an innate curiosity and eagerness to make friends that King’s Carrie White does not.
Robert Falconer/Prime
Meanwhile, while her mother Margaret (Samantha Sloyan of Midnight Mass) is far more complicated than any version put to screen before. She’s still a controlling, detestable mess of a human. But unlike in Stephen King’s book or the many films, you don’t get the sense she innately hates her daughter deep down. On some level, she’s trying to protect her from a world she hates and fears. There are times in this series you actually root for her. They are rare, but they’re there. This is a version of Margaret White you might actually know in real life, which is mildly terrifying.
None of this series works, however, if Summer H. Howell doesn’t totally kill it as Carrie. (No pun intended.) Once again, she’s more conventionally “cute” than in King’s book version. But this is a different Carrie already than King’s. The original version was such a weird, off-putting outcast, it was often hard to relate to her. This Carrie is sympathetic while also being relatable. We’ve all been the new kid at school at some point. She’s weird enough that King’s version of Carrie is still in there, but relatable enough that we see ourselves in her, too.
Prime Video
Another thing this series does incredibly well is update this story, which is over fifty years old now, to 2026. The 2013 movie remake paid lip service to the aspect of social media on Carrie’s bullying, but this series really makes good use of it. It shows how social media has given the worst among us a new tool to torment others, and every use of it makes your blood boil. Carrie 2026 is as much an exploration of what it means to be an outcast in the modern day world of Instagram as it us about a telekinetic girl who goes on a rampage at prom.
Prime Video
What Carrie does amazingly well is show that giving nuance and explaining a character’s motivations does not absolve them of wrongdoing. Case in point, the character of Chris Hargensen, Carrie’s bully. In King’s original novel, we don’t get a metric ton of insight into why Chris is so awful. There’s a bit about her rich father, but not much else. Here, we see how Chris grew up wealthy and entitled, and when she suddenly loses her ability to get everything she wants in life because her father loses his money and status, she lashes out at the most vulnerable person in her proximity — new girl, Carrie White.
What makes this Chris so much more despicable is that she pretends to be Carrie’s friend. Thus, making the ultimate betrayal so much more painful. Alison Thornton gives a truly nuanced performance here. But I am going to have a hard time not hating her in any future projects she appears in, just because she’s that good at being awful. Also, we should give props to Josie Totah as Tina, Chris’ “mean girl” right hand, who is often as awful (or worse) than Chris is. Actress Siena Agudong gives us a sympathetic and nuanced portrayal of the conflicted Sue Snell as well.
Prime Video
Of course, Flanagan’s Carrie isn’t perfect. The original King text is only 250 or so pages long. It’s a short book. So there are added elements, such as a running throughline about powerful telekinetic women and a secret society which they exist in, that doesn’t always work. Another change I won’t spoil happens at the climactic prom, which I remain very conflicted about. (Don’t worry, there is still pig’s blood.) And this ensemble features some A-list talent that sometimes feels wasted. Heather Graham plays Chris’ mother, and it’s a thankless role here. In contrast, I feel Matthew Lillard makes the most use of his limited screen time as Principal Grayle.
Prime Video
The rest of the cast, including Rahul Kohli, are solid. Amber Midthunder sometimes seems too young to be Carrie’s concerned gym coach Miss Desjardin. But that’s just because everyone ages far differently in 2026 than 1976. She’s good (but underserved) too. Again, it’s the main cast who really makes Carrie deliver in a series format. Yet again, Flanagan proves he can take the worst idea (a sequel to Kubrick’s The Shining??) and make it sing. Who would have thought yet another remake of Carrie could be so compelling? Mr. Flanagan, we’ll never doubt you again. If they ever announce you’re remaking Misery, I won’t scoff. I promise. After Carrie, you’ve earned the benefit of the doubt.
All eight episodes of Carrie drop on Prime Video on October 7.
Carrie ⭐ (4 of 5)
Eric Diaz is a staff writer at Nerdist and a Swiss Army knife of fandoms. Eric loves DC, Marvel, horror movies, and even Star Wars and Star Trek equally.The post CARRIE Series Is the Best Adaptation Since the Original Film (Review) appeared first on Nerdist.
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MTG Secret Lair Corn Maze Superdrop Takes Us Into LABYRINTH
- The newest Magic: The Gathering Corn Maze Superdrop focuse on the magical world of Jim Henson’s classic Labyrinth, with cards beautifully illustrating the film’s icons, David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly.
- This MTG Secret Lair drop has three sets alltogether, which include “Secret Lair x Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Should You Need Us,” “Secret Lair x Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Fear Me, Love Me,” and “Secret Lair x Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Through the Labyrinth.”
- Nerdist’s take: These gorgeous cards celebrate 40 years of Jim Henson’s cult classic fantasy film in spectacular fashion.
2026 marks the 40th anniversary of Jim Henson’s fantasy classic film Labyrinth. In this cult classic, rock icon David Bowie famously gave the world the wickedly wonderful Goblin King, Jareth. And Jennifer Connelly’s turn as the daydreaming teen Sarah helped her become a star. Of course, Labyrinth also featured some of Jim Henson’s best puppet work, with characters like Hoggle, Ludo, and so many others. Now, Wizards of the Coast have announced Magic: The Gathering’s latest Secret Lair Superdrop. And it’s focused on Jim Henson’s cult classic.
Wizards of the Coast
This new collection of special, limited Magic: The Gathering drops arriving October 12. And there are three separate ones for the world of Labyrinth. These will make you giggle with delight as if you were baby Toby, and Jareth was singing “Dance Magic Dance” to you. You can check out images from each drop, and read the description for all three of them down below:
Secret Lair x Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Should You Need Us Click To View Gallery
Wizards of the Coast/The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company/Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast/The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company/Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast/The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company/Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast/The Jim Henson Company
This drop gathers the companions Sarah meets along the way during her adventure. These include Ludo, Hoggle, Sir Didymus, The Worm, and The Wiseman. These cards represent the friendlier side of the Labyrinth world. Which is not the same as saying anyone should let their guard down. This drop also features the card “Sarah, Champion to the Lost.” The art on this card connects with “Jareth, Goblin King” from Secret Lair x Labyrinth: “Fear Me, Love Me” to create a scene across the two cards.
This set includes the following: 1x Jodah, the Unifier as “Sarah, Champion to the Lost.” 1x Kogla, the Titan Ape as “Ludo, Rock Caller.” 1x Shigeki, Jukai Visionary as “The Wiseman, Eccentric Oracle.” 1x Wort, Boggart Auntie as “Hoggle, Heart in Conflict.” 1x Kami of the Crescent Moon as “The Worm, Sagely Guide.” 1x Lu Xun, Scholar General as “Sir Didymus, Rider of Ambrosius” // “Sir Didymus, Faithful Companion.
Secret Lair x Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Fear Me, Love Me Click To View Gallery
Wizards of the Coast/The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company/Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast/The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company/Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast/The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company/Wizards of the Coast
This set centers on Jareth, the Goblin King, played by the immortal David Bowie. But not just Jareth, but also the particular kind of trouble that follows when someone gives him too much dramatic lighting and a magic crystal. This drop captures Jareth’s hold over the Labyrinth through goblins, gifts, and stolen time. This drop also includes the card Jareth, Goblin King, whose art connects with Sarah, Champion to the Lost from Secret Lair x Labyrinth: Should You Need Us to create a scene across the two cards.
This set contains the following: 1x Muxus, Goblin Grandee as “Jareth, Goblin King.” 1x Boggart Shenanigans as “Call Out the Goblins!” 1x Dance with Calamity as “Dance with Goblins.” 1x Goblin Rabblemaster as “Goblin Cradle-Thieves.” 1x Claim the Firstborn as “The Kidnapping of Toby.” 1x Trinisphere as “I’ve Brought You a Gift.”
Secret Lair x Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Through the Labyrinth Click To View Gallery
Wizards of the Coast/The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company/Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast/The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company/Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast/The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company/Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast/The Jim Henson Company
This final set follows Sarah into the maze with fully illustrated cards inspired by the film’s strange rooms, stranger rules, and memorable wrong turns. From the thirteenth hour to the Fireys, the Cleaners, and the doors that are technically helping, this drop knows the castle is further than you think.
This set includes the following: 1x Timely Ward as “Rescue in the 13th Hour.” 1x Chronomantic Escape as “Under Jareth’s Spell.” 1x Delayed Blast Fireball as “Frenzy of the Fireys.” 1x Tempt with Discovery as “The Goblin King’s Offer.” 1x Rogue’s Passage as “Shaft of Hands.” 1x Planar Temporal Gateway as “Doors of Indecision.” 1x Leveler as “The Cleaners Leveler.”
All Secret Lair: Corn Maze Superdrop drops will be available in Traditional Foil Edition ($39.99) and Non-Foil ($29.99) while supplies last.
Nerdist’s Take: Every Card Beautifully Captures the Magic of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth in Different WaysThese cards beautifully illustrate the world Jim Henson created over forty years ago in Labyrinth, with very different takes from artists with a variety of styles. If you’re a Magic: The Gathering fan and also love Labyrinth, you wont want to miss out on these. For more information, head on over to the official Magic: The Gathering – Secret Lair site.
Eric Diaz is a staff writer at Nerdist and a Swiss Army knife of fandoms. Eric loves DC, Marvel, horror movies, and even Star Wars and Star Trek equally.The post MTG Secret Lair Corn Maze Superdrop Takes Us Into LABYRINTH appeared first on Nerdist.
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MARVEL ZOMBIES Out for Blood in MTG Secret Lair Superdrop
- The ever-hungry Marvel Zombies are shambling their way into a new Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair Corn Maze Superdrop, just in time for Halloween.
- These cards feature undead and brain-eating versions of the Avengers, Wolverine, the Scarlet Witch, the X-Men, and many more.
- Nerdist’s take: This latest Secret Lair x Marvel collaboration is the perfect purchase to make for spooky season.
While not every universe in Marvel’s vast Multiverse has been a hit with fans, it seems everyone loves the world of Marvel Zombies. Who wouldn’t want to see Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and Marvel’s Merry Mutants as carnivorous undead monsters? the concept sells itself. And last year, the Marvel Zombies animated series became a hit on Disney+. Now, Wizards of the Coast has announced the Marvel Zombies will feature in a new Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair Corn Maze Superdrop, in all their brain-eating glory. Just in time for Halloween! You can check out images of each card, along with a description, down below:
Secret Lair x Marvel: Zombies Click To View Gallery
Marvel/Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast/Marvel
Marvel/Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast/Marvel
Marvel/Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast/Marvel
This latest set brings alternate zombie versions of Marvel Super Heroes to Magic, where iconic characters are still powerful, still recognizable, and dealing with a very different kind of appetite. Scarlet Witch, Thor, Captain America, Giant-Man, Wolverine, and more appear in a drop that turns superhero spectacle into something much less heroic and much more hungry.
Wizards of the Coast
This set features 1x Unstoppable Slasher: 1x Zombie Apocalypse, 1x Vogar, Necropolis Tyrant as “Zombie Giant-Man.” 1x God-Eternal Bontu as “Zombie Thor,” 1x Wilhelt, the Rotcleaver as “Zombie Captain America.” 1x Varina, Lich Queen as “Zombie Scarlet Witch.”
The Secret Lair x Marvel Zombies: Corn Maze Superdrop will go on sale starting at 9 a.m. PT on October 12. All Secret Lair: Corn Maze Superdrop drops will be available in traditional foil edition ($39.99) and non-foil ($29.99) while supplies last.
Nerdist’s Take: These Marvel Zombies Secret Lair Cards are Perfect for Spooky SeasonThe Marvel Zombies property was first created by Mark Millar and Greg Land in the pages of Ultimate Fantastic Four comic back back in the 2000s. Then, writer Robert Kirkman spun them off into their own mega popular series. Yes, the very same Robert Kirkman who created The Walking Dead. The guy’s got a niche. Since we are now in spooky season, these new Marvel Zombies MTG cards are the perect way to celebrate. All Secret Lair: Corn Maze Superdrop drops will be available in Traditional Foil Edition ($39.99) and Non-Foil ($29.99) while supplies last. For more information, head on over to the Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair official site.
Eric Diaz is a staff writer at Nerdist and a Swiss Army knife of fandoms. Eric loves DC, Marvel, horror movies, and even Star Wars and Star Trek equally.The post MARVEL ZOMBIES Out for Blood in MTG Secret Lair Superdrop appeared first on Nerdist.
WHALEFALL Popcorn Bucket Is Better Than a Whale Eating a Guy
- Regal Cinemas Whalefall popcorn bucket will let you eat popcorn out of a whale while watching a whale eat a guy who then tries to escape the whale.
- The “Whalebucket” also features a little scuba diver outside the whale, cause the inside needs to hold popcorn.
- Moviegoers who see special 4DX screenings at regal on October 14 will get their Whalefall bucket for free.
- Nerdist Take: Only one popcorn bucket will then let you eat popcorn out of a whale while watching a movie where a whale eats a guy and he tries to escape the whale while you eat popcorn out of a whale
Whalefall is my favorite movie of the year despite the fact I haven’t even seen it yet. The reason is easy to understand. It’s about a whale eating a guy who then tries to escape the whale that ate him. Only it’s not a comedy. Only the film’s trailers all play like comedies. It’s great and I love everything about it. So obviously I am all-in on the movie’s popcorn bucket, because it’s a giant whale that will let me, a guy, eat out of a whale while watching a whale eat a guy.
Even better? Special 4DX showings are getting their Whalefall whale popcorn buckets for free.
Whale, whale, whale…. look at what's swimming soon to Regal 🐋
Get the Whalefall collectible popcorn container, going on sale starting October 15. Tickets for Whalefall are on sale now: https://t.co/EyywMfY2ex
All merch is at select locations, while supplies last. pic.twitter.com/r1JbvhVhnA
Regal Cinemas has announced that moviegoers who attend an early access October 14 4DX screening of Whalefall will get a complimentary collectible “Whalebucket.” It features a whale with a tiny scuba diver swimming along on the outside. This is different from the film, which, again, will see a whale eat a guy. But this bucket needs to hold a free large popcorn. That’s why the guy has to go outside while you eat from the whale.
It’s nearly perfect. Nearly because I would have preferred to see a popcorn bucket with the whale’s mouth wide open like it is in the trailer when Austin Abrams’ scuba diver desperately tries to climb out of the whale only to get stuck on its tongue.
20th Century Studios
But I am not about to let “perfect” be the enemy of “amazing,” and this popcorn bucket is amazing. It will also go on sale on October 15 at select theaters while supplies last. I doubt they will last long, because only one movie this year will tell the harrowing tale of a whale eating a guy. And only one popcorn bucket will then let you eat popcorn out of a whale while watching a movie where a whale eats a guy and he tries to escape the whale while you eat popcorn out of a whale.
Regal Cinemas
Obviously this is my favorite popcorn bucket of the year, even though I don’t yet own it.
Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow Mikey on Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.The post WHALEFALL Popcorn Bucket Is Better Than a Whale Eating a Guy appeared first on Nerdist.