Matthew Lillard Says Feeling Like an ‘Outsider’ Helped Him Relate to “Carrie”: ‘I Personally Was Picked On’ (Exclusive)

Matthew Lillard is set to portray a pivotal role in the new adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic novel, *Carrie*, now available for streaming on Prime Video. In this contemporary reimagining, Lillard takes on the role of Principal Grayle, a character whose life becomes increasingly complicated with the arrival of the titular character, Carrie White, played by Summer H. Howell.

As a father of three—Addison, Ace, and Liam—Lillard finds a deep personal connection to his character’s responsibilities and the themes of protection and care. Speaking to PEOPLE, the actor reflected on the instincts that come with parenthood, saying, “As a father—there’s always a different lens to any sort of piece of content.” This connection to his role adds a layer of authenticity to his performance, allowing him to engage with the emotional fabric of the story on a more personal level.

The struggles faced by the young protagonist resonate with Lillard on multiple fronts. He shared his own experiences of feeling like an outsider during his formative years and noted that his children have encountered similar challenges. “I personally was picked on,” he recalled, adding that the impact of social media has further perpetuated these experiences for the younger generation. In the series, Carrie faces bullying not only from her peers but also through an anonymous social media account, illustrating the pervasive nature of bullying in today’s digital world.

This modern twist on a classic tale enriches Lillard’s emotional connection to the narrative. He remarked, “Definitely, it connects you to the material emotionally, which I think enriches your performance.” He believes that drawing on his parental instincts is not only beneficial but essential for a nuanced depiction of the responsibility associated with caring for young students.

Lillard is no stranger to the horror genre, though he is somewhat reserved about embracing the label. “I don’t know how to respond to that,” he admits when asked about his association with horror films. However, it was not merely the genre that attracted him to *Carrie*. Instead, he cites the opportunity to work with Mike Flanagan, the showrunner, writer, and director, as a significant factor in his decision to join the project. “My bucket list is really working with friends and great storytellers,” he explained, highlighting the profound appreciation he has for Flanagan’s skill as a narrative creator.

Flanagan’s growing reputation as a master storyteller has elevated him beyond the realm of horror, according to Lillard. “For a long time, people really considered Mike Flanagan as a horror director, and that’s gone out the window,” he stated, acknowledging the broader scope of Flanagan’s work. Lillard expressed gratitude for the chance to collaborate with someone he views as one of the greatest storytellers of modern cinema.

In preparation for his role, Lillard chose not to revisit earlier adaptations of *Carrie* or to reread King’s novel. “The idea of going back to reference an incredibly classic Stephen King tale didn’t make sense because we were onto a whole new iteration,” he explained. He is excited about the new direction that this adaptation takes while still including familiar moments from the original story, such as the infamous prom scene.

The anticipation surrounding this fresh adaptation is palpable, as viewers familiar with the original will encounter a reinterpretation that brings a modern perspective to King’s narrative. “You’re coming for the IP, but you’re going to get this Flanagan take on it, which is expansive and more than you could ever possibly imagine,” Lillard stated, hinting at the innovative approach taken in this version.

As *Carrie* begins streaming on Prime Video, audiences can expect not only a tale of horror but also one that evokes potent emotions and highlights the complexities of adolescence in the current age. With Lillard’s personal insights seamlessly integrating into his performance, viewers will find themselves drawn into a narrative that speaks to both fear and empathy.