"It's unnecessary": Carrie star Summer Howell defends Emaline's controversial role

Summer Howell, who stars in Amazon Prime Video's Carrie, is speaking out against the online hate surrounding one of the biggest changes in the series. In Mike Flanagan's recent series, alongside Carrie White, we are also introduced to a new character named Emaline.

While many liked the new character, the new addition also drew criticism from viewers who felt it took away White's responsibility for the violence. Speaking at a recent event with The Direct, Carrie star Summer Howell addressed the backlash Emaline faced through the statement:

"We were always making something different with our version of Carrie, and we get to explore the TK gene a bit and all these other special women. I think it sets up the future more, and a lot of questions will be answered about Emaline, and I know she's got a lot of hate online, but I think it's unnecessary."

More on the story below.

Summer Howell reacts to the criticism surrounding Emaline in Carrie

Carrie, created by Mike Flanagan, famous for The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor, was released on Prime Video in October. The series starred Summer Howell as Carrie White, a girl with telekinetic powers, and Thalia Dudek as Emaline, a girl with astral projection powers. Alongside them, viewers also see Siena Agudong as Sue Snell, White's school classmate, and Alison Thornton as Chris Hargensen, the girl who makes a fake Instagram account of White.

Throughout the series, viewers see Emaline appearing from time to time in White's life as a supportive friend. She helps her deal with classmates, listens to White talk all the time, and even encourages her to use her telekinetic powers.

However, their friendship takes a turn after Chris and Billy come across a video that shows White talking to herself. In real life, Emaline was there with White but nowhere to be seen in the video. After seeing the video, White starts questioning whether Emaline is real or just a visual hallucination.

During the prom massacre, when Billy and Chris drop the pig's blood on White, Emaline takes over her and executes the massacre. Towards the end of Season 1, it is revealed that Emaline is an astral projector, and she even appears in real life to rescue White.

After the show's release, Emaline's character faced criticism from viewers over her influence on White's journey and her role in the use of White's powers. Many also questioned the decision to have Emaline take control of White during the prom scene, sharing that this changed how the important moment from the original story played out.

During the 27th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival Honors, while talking to The Direct, Summer Howell explained that the team always wanted to take a different approach with their version of Carrie. This also gave them a chance to explore the TK gene and introduce other women with special abilities.

She also hinted that Emaline's character will have a bigger role in Season 2, adding that the story sets up more for what is to come and that many questions about Emaline will be answered. Addressing the hate Emaline received, she said:

"I know she's got a lot of hate online, but I think it's unnecessary."

Howell further added:

"I think if you're here for something new and fresh, I think just wait... You'll see why Mike Flanagan decided to do it this way."

From Howell's answer, it seems that Emaline's story isn't over yet, and Season 2 could give viewers a better understanding of her abilities, and her connection to the other women with special powers.

It could explain why Emaline chose to help White, what her real intentions are, and whether she has a bigger plan involving White and her powers. Season 2 could also reveal why Emaline is keeping White away from Adelaide and more about Adelaide's group of women.

Prime Video renewed Carrie for another season in October 2026.

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