Stephen King Celebrates Half A Century Since This Classic: “Hard to believe I’m alive to see it”
Chad Collins
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Fans of Stephen King’s writing might have missed an important anniversary over the weekend. The master of horror’s first published novel, the enduring, ever-relevant Carrie, turned 50 on April 5. Yep. The golden anniversary. Half a century. It might not seem it, but it’s a remarkable achievement for any creative, all the more so because, in Stephen King’s own words, he was around to see it.
Check out his tweet commemorating the occasion below:
Two years after Carrie was published, Brian De Palma adapted the work with the now iconic Carrie in 1976. Both Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie were nominated for Oscars for their work, cementing Carrie, both the novel and movie, as some of the most important pieces of horror literature last century.
The success hasn’t slowed down either. Since its release, there has been an additional film sequel (the underrated The Rage: Carrie 2), a television adaptation, a musical, and a 2013 remake starring Chloë Grace Moretz. It’s impossible to overstate the profound impact Carrie has had on the world of horror fiction (and Stephen King’s own career), no doubt accounting for why it remains as popular as ever 50 years later.
Stephen King spent the weekend spotlighting anniversary pieces and odes to the classic novel (while also noting a special anniversary edition available to buy). It might seem small, but it’s a momentous occasion for horror fans everywhere. I still remember the first time I read Carrie. Like the best pieces of fiction, it completely changed my relationship with horror.
What do you think? How do you plan to mark Carrie’s anniversary? More broadly, what’s your favorite work of Stephen King’s? Let me know over on Twitter @Chadiscollins.
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