Carrie Star Says Season 2 Will Explain Changes From King's Novel

Summer H. Howell, who plays Carrie White in Carrie, said the show's second season will explain why the series departs from Stephen King's original novel, in an interview with The Direct. According to Howell, viewers will eventually understand the reasoning behind the changes.

Howell also addressed criticism of Emaline West, the character played by Thalia Dudek, and said the second season will resolve questions about her motivations.

The actor said the first season's ending was designed to set up developments that have yet to unfold. She added that the creative team wanted to develop their own version of King's story from the beginning.

Carrie, from creator and showrunner Mike Flanagan, premiered on Prime Video on October 7, 2026, and was renewed for a second season on October 22, 2026. In the season 1 finale, Carrie allowed Emaline to psychically control her body during the prom massacre, and Carrie escaped with Emaline instead of dying.

What to expect from season 2

The second season has no announced release date. Howell's comments indicate that the fallout from the finale and the show's differences from the novel will both be addressed on screen.