Who Is Principal Grayle? Matthew Lillard’s Role in Mike Flanagan’s ‘Carrie’, Explained
Scream’s actor has just joined Mike Flanagan’s upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s hit debut novel, landing a minor yet significant role in the TV series. Here’s everything to know about Matthew Lillard’s part in Carrie.
Mike Flanagan’s long-rumoured adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower” is far from production, but the writer’s other hit story has just moved closer to its long-awaited reimagining.
With The Life of Chuck coming to theatres this week, Mike Flanagan will keep collaborating with Stephen King for at least one more project of passion, turning the latter’s debut novel “Carrie” into a TV show.
The upcoming series has already found its leading cast which comprises Scream and Scooby-Doo’s star Matthew Lillard; the actor has been in talks to join Flanagan’s show since last month and has now landed a role of one of the best characters in King’s novel.
Matthew Lillard Will Portray Principal Grayle in Mike Flanagan’s ‘Carrie’
The actor is about to become a witness of Carrie’s revenge on her offenders, taking on the role of Principal Grayle who is the head of Ewen High School which Carrie attends.
The character is mostly seen as Carrie’s ally who takes the matter seriously when she becomes a target of bullies. Besides, Principal Grayle also predicts devastating events at the upcoming Prom and tries to prevent any tragedy that might occur because of Carrie’s controversy.
Eventually, he does survive the infamous Black Prom, but quickly resigns because of the guilt he feels for not coming to help Carrie and for not taking more serious measures in time before the things swirled that dramatically.
Fans Are Happy to See Matthew Lillard’s Comeback
Even though the actor’s career hasn’t seen any hiatus all these years, for some he might have been a rare phenomenon on the big screen.
While Mike Flanagan’s fans are also excited about Lillard’s appearance in upcoming The Life of Chuck, others are looking forward to seeing the actor in Flanagan’s much bigger scaled future project.
“I'm glad to see him coming back into the public consciousness. I always enjoyed seeing him in stuff growing up and never felt like he gained the prominence he deserved. It's coming at a time when horror is gaining more public appreciation, so it's nice to see him at the forefront of that”, Redditor _TheMeepMaster_ commented the news of Lillard being eyed for the role in Carrie in a thread.
“Mathew Lillard is awesome. I love it when an actor most people don't take seriously actually crushes a role. I hope anyone who saw him in "Twin Peaks: The Return" was blown away, because I know I was. Give an actor a good role and they will probably surprise you”, TyhmensAndSaperstein agreed.
When Will Mike Flanagan’s ‘Carrie’ Be Released?
The show will reportedly start its production this summer, so the first season will likely arrive on streaming sometime in 2026.
