If you ask many people who were old enough to watch horror movies in the 1970’s what the scariest film of all time is, you will more than likely be met with the response: “The Exorcist.” The 1973 demonic horror masterpiece holds a terrifying place in the hearts and mind of millions due to its disturbing imagery, religious subject matter, and inspiration from the real-life exorcism performed on a boy known under the pseudonym, “Roland Doe.” Several sequels and prequels later and nothing has lived up to the quality of the original. Blumhouse is seeking to change that.
At CinemaCon 2023, footage from the upcoming film “Exorcist: Believer” was presented by producer Jason Blum and writer/director David Gordon Green (“Halloween Kills“). Some plot elements involving a young girl who’s father is played by Leslie Odom Jr. were teased. The girl was reportedly missing for three days in the woods before being located and brought to a hospital. Things get worse when she starts convulsing and it only escalates further when other young girls also show some signs of demonic possession.
in what may be the biggest draw for the film though, Chris MacNeil, the mother of Regan from the original movie appears. Yes, she’s still played by the now 90 year old Ellen Burstyn, showing that this film is indeed a continuation of the 1973 original. MacNeil looks at one of the children and says, “We’ve met before.” Does that mean Pazuzu is back? If that’s the case, we could be in store for a grudge match on par with Laurie Strode and Michael Myers.
That comparison isn’t far-fetched considering that the writer and director behind “Exorcist: Believer” is the same man behind the recent “Halloween” trilogy, consisting of 2018’s “Halloween” reboot, and its sequels, “Halloween Kills” and “Halloween Ends.” Depending on who you talk to, this could be a good or bad thing, considering that the overall trilogy was met with mixed reception, with only the first film getting positive critical and fan feedback.
Also like the “Halloween” reboot, this upcoming “Exorcist” film is supposed to be the first in a new trilogy. And in fairness, it is possible for an “Exorcist” sequel to be done right, as “The Exorcist III” has gained a strong following since its release. It also has one of the best jump scares in horror film history. We’ll have to see if Blumhouse Productions can channel some horror into audiences when “Exorcist: Believer” hits theaters this October.
