Amber Midthunder has officially cemented her status as a scream queen for the modern era. While many fans first discovered her as the fierce warrior Naru in the 2022 hit Prey, her recent turn as Miss Desjardin in Mike Flanagan’s Carrie series on Prime Video marks a new chapter in her career. As of 07 October 2026, all eight episodes of the series are available for streaming, offering a fresh, social media age interpretation of Stephen King’s 1974 debut novel.
In this adaptation, Midthunder plays the sympathetic gym teacher who tries, and ultimately fails, to protect Carrie White from the predatory environment of Ewen High School. Her performance is not just a supporting turn: it is the moral anchor of a story that rapidly descends into chaos.
The Transformation of Miss Desjardin in 2026
In previous film versions of Carrie, the character of the gym teacher often served as a simple foil to the cruel students. However, Midthunder’s portrayal in the 2026 series introduces a deeper level of agency and interiority. This version of Miss Desjardin is motivated by a consistent moral compass, navigating a landscape where viral bullying and digital harassment have replaced simple locker room taunts.
Midthunder has noted in recent interviews that her character is driven by a desire to be a “consistently good” person in a world of questionable morality. This makes her eventual fate in the series finale all the more devastating for the audience. Rather than being a background figure, she is a central witness to the tragedy.
Why Mike Flanagan Chose Amber Midthunder
Showrunner Mike Flanagan is known for building a “troupe” of recurring actors, and Midthunder is the latest high profile addition. Flanagan, who previously helmed The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, is praised by the cast for his “freedom within form” approach.
Midthunder has expressed that working with Flanagan removed any hesitation about revisiting such an iconic story. During a month of rehearsal, Flanagan provided the cast with all eight scripts, allowing Midthunder to map out the gym teacher’s emotional arc before a single frame was shot. This level of preparation is rare in television and allowed Midthunder to bring a sense of grounded realism to the supernatural horror.
Comparing Miss Desjardin Across Generations
To understand why Midthunder’s performance is gaining so much traction, it helps to look at how the role has evolved since the 1970s.
| Feature | 2013 Film (Judy Greer) | 2026 Series (Amber Midthunder) |
|---|---|---|
| Character Name | Miss Desjardin | Miss Desjardin |
| Primary Motivation | Empathy | Moral Protection/Advocacy |
| Fate | Survives | Tragic Demise in “AP Physics” |
| Setting | Modern High School | Social Media/Viral Age |
In the 2026 iteration, the character faces the added challenge of Carrie’s father’s death being the catalyst for her entry into public school. This adds a layer of grief counseling to Midthunder’s responsibilities on screen.
The Tragic Finale: AP Physics Breakdown
The final episode of the series, titled “AP Physics,” has become a major talking point for fans. In a significant deviation from the source material and previous films, Miss Desjardin does not survive the night. Midthunder and co star Matthew Lillard, who plays Principal Grayle, have discussed this “catastrophic” ending at length.
Midthunder views the death of her character as an essential part of the tragedy. It serves as a symbolic reminder that when a child is pushed beyond their breaking point, even the “good” people are swept away in the resulting destruction. It highlights Carrie’s loss of control: if Carrie had been in her right mind, she likely would have saved the one person who showed her kindness.
Beyond Carrie: Midthunder’s 2025 and 2026 Slate
If you are a fan of Midthunder’s work, 2026 is shaping up to be her biggest year yet. Beyond her success in the horror genre, she is diversifying into action, comedy, and sci-fi franchises.
- Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (Season 2): Midthunder is set to join the MonsterVerse in 2026, bringing her physical presence to the world of Godzilla and the Titans.
- Novocaine (2025): An action comedy where she stars alongside Jack Quaid, scheduled for release in early 2025.
- Opus (2025): A psychological thriller featuring Midthunder in a lead role as Belle.
- Rot: A project currently in pre production that promises a return to her gritty horror roots.
Martial Arts and Stunt Work: The Secret to Her Success
One reason Midthunder’s performances feel so visceral is her background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Having trained and even taught the discipline, she brings a unique level of body awareness to her roles. This was evident in the complex choreography of Prey and continues to influence her work in action heavy series like Monarch.
As a citizen of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, Midthunder also remains a powerful advocate for Indigenous representation. Her role in Carrie proves that she can transcend specific “types” and lead major mainstream franchises while maintaining her cultural identity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Does Amber Midthunder die in the Carrie series?
Yes. In the 2026 Prime Video adaptation, her character, Miss Desjardin, tragically perishes during the events of the prom in the finale episode.
Q.What is Amber Midthunder’s heritage?
She is a citizen of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. Her father, David Midthunder, is of Hunkpapa Lakota, Sisseton Dakota, and Sahiyaiyeskabi Assiniboine descent, while her mother is of Thai-Chinese ancestry.
Q.Is there going to be a Prey 2?
While rumors persist, Midthunder’s current focus remains on her roles in the Carrie series and the upcoming 2026 season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.
