Stephen King has expressed strong admiration for Mike Flanagan’s Netflix series The Fall of the House of Usher, released in October 2023 and inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s literary works. King highlighted the series’ blend of suspense and sharp writing, framing Flanagan as a standout figure in the horror genre.
Insights into Flanagan’s Adaptation Style and Previous Collaborations
King shared on Twitter,
“THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER (Netflix): I missed this when it bowed due to hip surgery, but this is a case of delayed gratification,”
followed by,
“Scary, involving, with writing that’s witty and moves the plot. There’s a case to be made for Mike Flanagan being the Quentin Tarantino of horror.”
These remarks underline Flanagan’s distinctive approach to storytelling within horror, blending chilling moments with clever narrative development.
Flanagan has a history of adapting King’s stories, including The Life of Chuck, Doctor Sleep, and Gerald‘s Game. Upcoming projects based on King’s work include adaptations of Carrie and The Dark Tower. Beyond Stephen King’s universe, Flanagan has created acclaimed Netflix horror series like The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and Midnight Mass.
Reception and Related Stephen King Projects
The Fall of the House of Usher has received positive reviews, holding a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. A review noted,
“Bloody, campy, and a far cry from Hill House and Bly Manor, The Fall of the House of Usher sees Mike Flanagan mix Edgar Allan Poe, American Horror Story and Succession – and the result, while not perfect, is fun.”
Meanwhile, another highly anticipated Stephen King adaptation, The Long Walk, is set to release on September 12. Directed by Francis Lawrence, known for the Hunger Games series, the film stars Cooper Hoffman, Judy Greer, David Jonsson, Ben Wang, and Mark Hamill. It centers on a brutal survival contest where 100 teenage boys must keep walking until only one remains alive.
Impact and Future Directions in Horror Adaptations
Mike Flanagan’s blending of intense storytelling and character-driven horror has earned him respect from Stephen King and fans alike, positioning him as a creative force in modern horror television and film. With multiple King adaptations underway and his expanding Netflix collaborations, Flanagan’s influence on the genre is set to grow. King’s comparison to Quentin Tarantino highlights Flanagan’s unique place as a director whose style both honors and reinvents horror traditions.
