Matthew Lillard and Amber Midthunder are no strangers to the spotlight, but their latest project, Mike Flanagan's Carrie series, has given them both something they've never experienced before. In a recent interview with Collider, the two stars revealed what makes this adaptation so special—and why they're bursting with pride to be part of it.
Lillard, a horror veteran known for his roles in Scream and Five Nights at Freddy's, takes on the role of the high school principal in the series. But unlike his usual scene-stealing, wisecracking characters, he's now the calm anchor in a storm of teenage chaos. "I am very rarely the center," Lillard admitted with a laugh. "Normally, I'm the one spinning out on the sides, making jokes. So to be the center of gravity—as you said—he's trying to move this entire community through the moment. It was different for me, and a challenge, and something I'm really proud of."
For Midthunder, who broke out with her acclaimed performance in Prey, the role of gym teacher Rita Desjardin came with a surprising twist: her character used to be a bully herself. That backstory, revealed in a passing comment in Episode 2, completely recontextualizes how she interacts with the students. "It's an important level of honesty and self-reflection that we all should have," Midthunder explained. "The fact that she says it with ease is a marker of growth. She feels the responsibility of not just protecting Carrie, but helping these other girls."
The series, based on Stephen King's iconic novel, follows the sheltered Carrie White as she faces relentless bullying at Ewen High School. Lillard's principal and Midthunder's teacher are both drawn into the drama, each trying to navigate the delicate balance between order and compassion. The adult storylines get as much depth as the teen ones, a hallmark of Flanagan's storytelling that both actors appreciate.
Midthunder also praised her on-screen romance with Rahul Kohli, who plays a fellow teacher. "Rahul is an incredible actor and a lovely guy," she said. "He's really smart, and going through blocking rehearsals and seeing the way he breaks down a scene is really lovely." The chemistry between them is palpable, even as their relationship takes a dark turn later in the season.
Both actors are quick to emphasize that this project stands out from the many others they've worked on. "You can't always say this," Lillard noted. "We've both been a part of a lot of projects where you're sort of finding things to say at a junket. But here, I'm proud of my work. I'm proud of the show. And I cannot wait for people to see it." Midthunder echoed that sentiment, adding, "We can both honestly tell people to watch the show because it's really phenomenal."
With its fresh take on familiar characters and its exploration of themes like redemption and responsibility, Carrie is shaping up to be a must-watch. For fans of Flanagan's previous work, like his other adaptations, this series promises the same blend of horror and heart. And for Lillard and Midthunder, it's a chance to show off new sides of their talents—ones that audiences haven't seen before.
