Brief
Mike Flanagan pays homage to Matthew Lillard’s ‘Scream’ death in Amazon’s ‘Carrie’
The creator says the principal’s fatal electrocution is a deliberate tribute to the 1996 horror classic.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Mike Flanagan, creator of Amazon Prime Video’s new "Carrie" miniseries, confirmed that the electrocution of Matthew Lillard’s character, Principal Henry Grayle, is a direct nod to Lillard’s iconic death in the 1996 film "Scream." The scene occurs during a disastrous prom where dangling wires kill the principal, echoing Stu Macher’s TV‑fall electrocution in the original horror sequel.
What happened
In the second episode of "Carrie," Lillard’s principal is killed when a set of exposed wires snap and deliver a lethal shock. The death is staged with fire and water effects, creating a visually striking moment that Flanagan described as "a really beautiful image." The series, which reimagines Stephen King’s 1974 novel for a modern audience, is already streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
What the reports add
Page Six reported that Flanagan told the outlet the tribute was intentional, noting that Lillard "gets electrocuted ‘so much more, this time.’" Flanagan also called "Scream" "one of the greatest horror films ever made" and said the visual style of the scene was meant to honor that legacy. The article adds that Lillard himself reacted with excitement, saying, "I get to get electrocuted again!" while also noting the differences between the two deaths.
What was said
"It was fun," Flanagan said, confirming the homage. "I can’t help but always be thinking of that when [Lillard] is around," he added, referring to the original "Scream" scene. Lillard reportedly exclaimed, "I get to get electrocuted again!" during the interview, according to Page Six.
How it came about
Flanagan’s adaptation places the story in present‑day Maine, shifting the bullying from playgrounds to social‑media platforms. Earlier this week, Felo News covered Mark Hamill’s surprise cameo in episode six of the same series (Mark Hamill appears disguised as fortune‑teller in Amazon’s Carrie cameo). The series has also sparked discussion about banned books featured in episode two (Banned books featured in Mike Flanagan's 'Carrie' series episode two).
Key facts
- Matthew Lillard plays Principal Henry Grayle in Amazon's "Carrie" miniseries. (nypost.com)
- Lillard’s character dies by electrocution during a prom scene. (nypost.com)
- Mike Flanagan confirmed the death is a tribute to Lillard’s 1996 "Scream" electrocution. (nypost.com)
- Flanagan described the visual effects as "a really beautiful image." (nypost.com)
- Lillard joked, "I get to get electrocuted again!" about the scene. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Exclusive | How ‘Carrie’ creator Mike Flanagan paid tribute to Matthew Lillard’s iconic ‘Scream’ character”
