Stephen King, renowned for his selective approach to allowing filmmakers to adapt his novels, has recently praised Mike Flanagan, a director widely regarded as closely aligned with King’s vision. King’s admiration comes amid Flanagan’s success in adapting various horror works, including his latest notable project, The Fall of the House of Usher, a miniseries based on Edgar Allan Poe’s story, which debuted in 2023. This deliberate praise highlights Flanagan’s craft in the horror genre and the growing recognition of his work among critics and audiences alike.
Mike Flanagan’s Acclaimed Adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s Work
The Fall of the House of Usher, released on Netflix two years ago, has earned a 91% critics’ approval rating, reflecting the high regard for Flanagan’s interpretation of Poe’s classic. The series expands beyond the original story to incorporate other Poe tales such as The Masque of the Red Death and The Murders in the Rue Morgue. King revealed his late but profound appreciation for the show following a delay caused by hip surgery. In a recent post on X, King remarked:
“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. 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.” —Stephen King, Genre Author
The miniseries features a strong ensemble cast that includes familiar faces from Flanagan’s previous work, such as Kate Siegel, Rahul Kohli, Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Mark Hamill, and Mary McDonnell among others. Their performances contribute to the series’ haunting atmosphere, making it a standout piece in the horror genre and marking the end of Flanagan’s collaboration with Netflix.
Historical Partnership Between Stephen King and Mike Flanagan
Mike Flanagan’s relationship with Stephen King’s works began with the 2017 Netflix adaptation of Gerald’s Game, starring Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood. This collaboration paved the way for further projects, including the film Doctor Sleep, which serves as a sequel to King’s The Shining, featuring Ewan McGregor and Rebecca Ferguson. More recently, Flanagan adapted The Life of Chuck, praised for its emotional depth and intricate storytelling. Looking ahead, Flanagan is set to adapt another King classic, Carrie, as a series for Prime Video, promising a fresh take on the iconic horror novel.
Audiences interested in exploring Flanagan’s work can currently stream The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix, where the director’s distinctive style and deep respect for horror literature come to life.
