At 22, Summer H. Howell bears little resemblance to the traumatised telekinetic teen who destroys her hometown in a vengeful rage. But the Canadian actor shares one experience with Carrie White: she spent her first prom covered in blood.
Howell missed her high school graduation dance because she was working, but she found a second chance while filming the lead role in Mike Flanagan's new TV adaptation of Stephen King's seminal horror novel. 'I had a wonderful prom,' Howell says. 'It feels like one big fever dream ... I had about 11 days covered in blood, head to toe. I did a lot of relying on other people and sitting, trying not to mess up my continuity.'
Flanagan's series honours the original story by partially flipping it on its head, according to a synopsis. A review of the series awarded it four stars, describing it as the most brutal retelling of Carrie yet. Stephen King, who famously did not want another Carrie remake, was ultimately convinced to allow this adaptation.
The series is now streaming, bringing the iconic story of telekinetic vengeance to a new generation.