When Matthew Lillard stepped into the role of Principal Grayle in Mike Flanagan's upcoming Carrie series for Prime Video, he didn't turn to Stephen King's classic novel for guidance. Instead, the actor found his inspiration much closer to home—by watching his three children navigate the modern education system over the past two decades.
During an exclusive interview with Collider at San Diego Comic-Con, Lillard explained that he barely relied on the source material when shaping his character. "I didn't really rely on the source material that well. I reread the book, but it was in the middle of shooting," he admitted. "For me, it was really about trying to represent what teachers are suffering through right now in the education landscape that we're living in."
A Principal Caught in the Storm
Lillard's approach to Principal Grayle reflects a man trying to balance the needs of students, parents, and teachers in an increasingly chaotic environment. "I think that in this moment, my job as the principal is to try to salve the landscape around, and that's the parents and the teachers and the students," he said. "There's this chaos, and I'm sitting in the middle of this storm and trying to make sure everyone wins."
This grounded perspective adds a layer of realism to Flanagan's adaptation, which the cast has repeatedly emphasized explores issues that feel especially relevant today. While King's novel remains the foundation, the series updates its themes of bullying and isolation for a modern audience.
Why 'Carrie' Still Resonates
Lillard sees Carrie's central story of feeling like an outsider as more than just a horror tale about bullying. He views it as a reflection of the isolation many people experience in modern life. Co-star Amber Midthunder echoed that sentiment, describing her character, Miss Desjardin, as a bridge between students and the institution she works within. "I think my character's in a position where she's sort of the bridge of the gap between the experience of the students and wanting to really understand what they're actually going through... and then sort of have to be a part of this institution that you don't necessarily always agree with," she explained.
Midthunder added that even though she isn't far removed from her own school years, she already struggles to understand what younger generations face online and in classrooms today. For her, that rapid pace of change is one reason Flanagan's adaptation feels so timely.
Fans of Flanagan's previous work, like The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, will recognize his signature blend of horror and emotional depth. The series also stars Matthew Needham, who recently voiced the Joker in Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2.
As Lillard's candid revelation shows, sometimes the most compelling performances come from real-life experiences rather than the pages of a book. With Carrie set to premiere on Prime Video, audiences can expect a fresh take that honors King's legacy while speaking directly to today's world.
