Mike Flanagan's Dark Tower Series Still Active, Could Link
Director Mike Flanagan confirms his planned The Dark Tower TV series remains in development and could potentially connect to his upcoming Carrie adaptation
Mike Flanagan has confirmed his planned television adaptation of Stephen King's The Dark Tower series is still active. The director also suggested a potential narrative link to his forthcoming series based on King's novel Carrie, which premieres on Prime Video on October 7th.
Flanagan acquired the rights to adapt King's epic fantasy novel series for television in 2022. In a recent interview with EW, the writer-director assured fans the project remains "very much on the table." Public updates have been scarce since the rights were secured, leading some to speculate the project had stalled.
Carrie Adaptation Details
Flanagan's immediate focus is Carrie, which stars Summer H. Howell in the titular role. The series will consist of eight episodes, expanding King's first published novel from 1974 into a longer-form story. Prime Video will be the exclusive home for the show.
Flanagan has previously adapted King's work for the screen with Doctor Sleep. He mused that, had King written Carrie later in his career, the character might have possessed "The Shining"-the psychic ability featured in that novel and its sequel. This opens speculative connections to the universe of Doctor Sleep.
Potential Shared Universe Connections
The director noted that if the worlds were connected, Carrie White could theoretically be pursued by The Institute and be known to the True Knot, the psychic vampire group from Doctor Sleep. When asked if Carrie could narratively lead into a potential multi-season Dark Tower series, Flanagan called the idea "not impossible."
He pointed to obscure characters within the broader Dark Tower canon who could serve specific purposes. Flanagan specifically referenced King's 1994 novel Insomnia as a potential tool for linking these stories. However, he admitted these are just early thoughts on a complex adaptation.
The Challenge of Adaptation
A successful Dark Tower screen adaptation has long eluded filmmakers. The 2017 film starring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey demonstrated the difficulties in condensing the sprawling series. A television format, while offering more room, presents its own significant creative challenges.
Flanagan's schedule is also a factor. He is currently completing work on The Exorcist: Martyrs, which is scheduled for a cinematic release next year. This indicates any substantial movement on The Dark Tower is still some distance away.
For now, viewers can experience Flanagan's next Stephen King project when Carrie begins streaming on October 7th.
