Prom shocker

A new version of Carrie is on its way… with rumors of a trans lead

Julianne Moore and Chloë Grace Moretz in the 2013 Carrie (Photo: Sony)

A new version of Stephen King’s seminal horror novel, Carrie, is reportedly being developed as a mini-series for FX by MGM Television.

The news was first broken by Collider.

It says sources have revealed, “telekinetic teen Carrie White will likely be played by either a trans performer or an actress of color rather than a cis white woman, as in past adaptations.” However, neither FX or MGM Television responded to requests for comment.

Both Variety and Deadline have since run stories about the new adaptation, but neither have mentioned any casting details. Hollywood Reporter says the project is in “extremely early development,” and no writer has yet been attached.

Related: The “Carrie” 40th anniversary party no horror fan should miss

Stephen King’s first novel was first published in 1974 and met with instant success. It was turned into a movie by director Brian De Palma in 1976 starring Sissy Spacek in the title role and Piper Laurie as her Bible-thumping mother.

A remake in 2013 featured Chloë Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore. A sequel to the original movie also appeared in 1999 and a short-lived, infamous musical premiered in 1988. There was also a 2002 TV adaptation.

Given the number of times that Carrie has graced screens before, rumors that elements of the story might be tweaked do not seem so far-fetched, even if changes to the lead character are likely to upset some purists of the original novel.

Related: “Carrie” director Kimberly Peirce sees similarities between horror classic and “Boys Don’t Cry”

For anyone unfamiliar with the original story, it’s about a 16-year-old girl who is relentlessly bullied at her school. However, on her prom night, her possession of supernatural powers enables her to exact revenge on those who tormented her.

Stephen King is one of the US’s most successful living authors. Many of his books and short stories have been adapted for the screen. Most recently, these included Doctor Sleep, starring Ewan MacGregor, and HBO’s adaptation of The Outsider, which the author himself took to Twitter to praise this week.

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