Though there are numerous filmmakers who specialize in the horror genre, there's one in particular who consistently captures our attention and leaves us eagerly anticipating what they'll do next. That talented filmmaker is Mike Flanagan, otherwise known as one of the modern kings of horror.
Throughout the years, Flanagan has built a reputation for crafting some of the most unforgettable and thought-provoking horror projects. We're talking about movies such as Oculus, Hush, Before I Wake, Ouija: Origin of Evil, Gerald's Game and Doctor Sleep. Then, there are the hit Netflix shows The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass and The Fall of the House of Usher. He also created the Netflix horror series The Midnight Club, though it didn't quite resonate with audiences in the same way as his other works.
As of right now, Flanagan is keeping himself busy with a number of exciting new projects in development, including both TV shows and movies. In this article, we're breaking down everything we know about all seven of his upcoming horror shows and films. Now, let's get started!
The Life of Chuck
According to one of the movie's stars and Flangan's wife, Kate Siegel, The Life of Chuck is not actually a horror film. Instead, it's being described as a genre-bending movie. Stephen King fans will recognize the film's title right away, as it’s adapted from his novella of the same name. Flanagan wrote, produced, and directed the movie, which is set to be released by Neon in U.S. theaters on June 6, 2025.
It will explore the life of its titular character, Charles "Chuck" Krantz, in three different stories, each representing a distinct phase of his life. Tom Hiddleston (Loki, Thor) stars in the leading role of Chuck. In addition to him and Siegel, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Mark Hamill, Jacob Tremblay, Nick Offerman, and many other well-known actors make up the cast.
Shelby Oaks
Flanagan was neither the writer nor the director of Shelby Oaks. Instead, his only involvement in the project was as an executive producer. Chris Stuckmann wrote the script for this supernatural horror and also made his directorial debut. It stars Camille Sullivan as Mia, a desperate woman on a mission to unravel the mystery of her younger sister's disappearance, which she suspects is linked to something far more sinister than she ever imagined.
Brendan Sexton III, Michael Beach, Robin Bartlett, Keith David, Charlie Talbert, Emily Bennett, and Sarah Durn are also included in the cast. This film will hit theaters on Aug. 22, 2025.
Carrie TV series
Back in October 2024, it was announced that Amazon MGM Studios was developing a Carrie television series adaptation. Flanagan signed on as showrunner and executive producer. It was also revealed that he would be writing the scripts for the potential series. In addition, Intrepid Picture’s Trevor Macy had signed on as an executive producer. The TV show would be based on Stephen King's iconic 1974 novel of the same name, which told the story of a bullied high school girl who gets her revenge on her tormentors using her newly discovered telekinetic powers.
While this potential TV adaptation will follow the core premise of King's novel, it is said to be a "bold and timely reimagining of the story." This means it will bring new elements to the story we all know and love. In a recent interview with MovieWeb, Flanagan gave a little insight on what his Carrie TV show would explore, hinting at a more modern take on the classic story. He said, "I can't talk more about it, other than we're in the writers' room. We're having a great time, and I think we're going to tell a story that will be surprising and impactful, very relevant to our modern society and to issues in our country."
This is all that is known about the Carrie TV series. While waiting for new updates, we recommend watching or rewatching the 1976 film adaptation starring Sissy Spacek and the 2013 version starring Chloë Grace Moretz.
The Exorcist movie
Another horror project that's currently in the works from Flanagan is a new The Exorcist movie, which is being described as a "radical new take." He is confirmed to be collaborating with Blumhouse again and is writing, directing, and producing the film for Universal. Trevor Macy will produce for his Intrepid Pictures and Flanagan through his Red Room Pictures banner. In a past interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Flanagan claimed that his upcoming The Exorcist movie will be the "scariest movie he's ever made." While this is a bold statement, his impressive track record in the horror genre lends credibility to the claim.
This new Exorcist movie will not be a sequel to The Exorcist: Believer (2023). Instead, it will tell an entirely new story set in the The Exorcist universe. We can't wait to learn more about this film!
The Dark Tower TV show
A The Dark Tower television series is in early development with Flanagan at the helm. In 2022, the filmmaker announced that he'd acquired the rights to develop a TV adaptation of Stephen King's Dark Tower book series. Blending elements of fantasy, horror, and western, King's series follows Roland Deschain, the last Gunslinger, on his quest to find the Dark Tower. It's a mysterious and ancient structure that lies at the heart of all universes. Unfortunately, further details about the series remain scarce.
The Season of Passage movie
The Season of Passage film adaptation has been in the works for quite some time now. We first learned of this project back in April 2021. It was announced that Flanagan would co-write the screenplay alongside his brother James Flanagan, as well as direct and produce the film for Universal. It's a movie based on Christopher Pike's 1993 sci-fi horror novel of the same name. Unfortunately, plot details are being kept under wraps. However, we shared what the book is about below via Amazon.
"Dr. Lauren Wagner was a celebrity. She was involved with the most exciting adventure mankind had ever undertaken: a manned expedition to Mars. The whole world admired and respected her. But Lauren knew fear. Inside―voices entreating her to love them. Outside―the mystery of the missing group that had gone before her. The dead group. But were they simply dead? Or something else?"
Clayface film
In December 2024, DC Studios gave the green light on a standalone movie centered around the DC comic book character Clayface, aka the shapeshifting supervillain who has long been a thorn in Batman's side. Flanagan was announced as the one to be writing the script, with Matt Reeves and Lynn Harris producing through their 6th & Idaho Productions.
While specific plot details are being kept secret, the movie is said to be a “horror/thriller/tragedy." The only other important information known about the film is that production is expected to commence early this year and that it will be released in theaters on Sept. 11, 2026. Neither a director nor any actors have been officially attached to the project yet.
Although not a horror project, Flanagan is also set to star in an upcoming romantic drama film titled The Room Returns! He's an executive producer on the project as well.