Carrie is the first in a handful of previously-adapted Stephen King novels that are either being updated for the new century, or making the jump from television to film (see: The Stand and It). The former has to follow in the footsteps of Brian De Palma’s critically-acclaimed movie adaptation from 1976, which snagged Oscar nods for leads Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie. However, director Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don’t Cry, Stop-Loss) has made it known that her intention is to modernize King’s story for a different generation – by offering a direct re-interpretation of the source material, rather that looking to De Palma’s adaptation for inspiration.
Principal photography has officially begun on the new Carrie; to mark the occasion, we’ve rounded up both the official synopsis and first set photo(s) for the film. Scroll on down to check them out (and see what you make of Peirce’s take on King’s horrific, coming-of-age tale, so far).
The Carrie remake/re-imagining comes armed with a prestigious acting lineup, to help the project stand on its own – including, fan-favorite teen actress Chloë Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass, Hugo), multiple Oscar-nominee Julianne Moore (Magnolia, The Kids Are All Right), and character actress Judy Greer (Arrested Development, The Descendants). Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Big Love, Glee) penned the film’s adapted screenplay, which is described as follows:
The quiet suburb of Chamberlain, Maine is home to the deeply religious and conservative Margaret White (Moore) and her daughter Carrie (Moretz). Carrie is a sweet but meek outcast whom Margaret has sheltered from society. Gym teacher Miss Desjardin (Greer) tries in vain to protect Carrie from local mean girls led by the popular and haughty Chris Hargenson (Portia Doubleday, Youth in Revolt), but only Chris’ best friend, Sue Snell (Gabriella Wilde, The Three Musketeers), regrets their actions. In an effort to make amends, Sue asks her boyfriend, high school heartthrob Tommy Ross (newcomer Ansel Elgort), to take Carrie to prom. Pushed to the limit by her peers at the dance, Carrie unleashes telekinetic havoc.
Peirce previously made it known that Moretz has constructed some of her own dresses, in order to look the part of Carrie (and get into character, obviously). The teen actress has also personally weighed in on her approach to the role – and the film in general – having said:
“… We’re kind of going off the book. It’s darker and much more psychological. More ‘Black Swan.’ You’re really looking into her mind and it really looks into the relationship of Margaret and Carrie. It’s set in modern time, so it’s a lot different… It’s something that’s very different from me. It’s an out of body thing. I’m becoming a totally different person for it. I’m letting go of all of my self-esteem issues and just kind of going into it. You have to.”
For a sneak peek at what Moretz will be wearing – in order to properly portray a religiously-devoted outcast high schooler, circa 2012 – check out the first photo of her in costume on the set of Carrie (for more of the same, visit Splash News Online):
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Carrie opens in theaters around the U.S. on March 15th, 2013.
