In a surprising turn of events, the iconic ‘The Exorcist’ franchise is headed in a fresh, terrifying direction under the guidance of renowned horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan. Blumhouse and Morgan Creek have tapped the visionary director to breathe new life into the hallowed horror universe with a “radical new take” that departs from the previously planned sequel to the critically panned ‘The Exorcist: Believer.’
Flanagan, best known for his acclaimed works such as ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and the Stephen King adaptation ‘Doctor Sleep,’ will write, direct, and produce an all-new story set within the ‘The Exorcist’ universe. This ambitious project marks a departure from the initially intended trilogy of films that would have continued the story from the original 1973 classic, bringing back original star Ellen Burstyn.
Revealing the news, Flanagan expressed his excitement and reverence for the franchise, stating, “‘The Exorcist’ is one of the reasons I became a filmmaker, and it is an honor to have the chance to try something fresh, bold, and terrifying within its universe.” He also expressed his delight in reuniting with Blumhouse, a production company he has collaborated with on multiple occasions, including ‘Oculus,’ ‘Hush,’ and ‘Ouija: Origin of Evil.’
The decision to entrust Flanagan with reimagining ‘The Exorcist’ comes on the heels of the box office disappointment of ‘The Exorcist: Believer,’ directed by David Gordon Green. Despite Blumhouse’s reported $400 million investment in acquiring the franchise’s IP rights, the film underperformed, grossing only $137 million globally. Consequently, Green exited the project in January, paving the way for Flanagan’s fresh vision.
Jason Blum, the founder and CEO of Blumhouse, expressed his confidence in Flanagan’s abilities, stating, “Mike’s voice and vision are indispensable for horror fans, and we are excited to welcome him back to Blumhouse. I immediately responded to Mike’s new take on the world of ‘The Exorcist’ and can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”
David Robinson, Chairman and CEO of Morgan Creek, echoed Blum’s enthusiasm, adding, “It’s an honor to be working with Mike. I think his vision for this franchise is going to stun audiences worldwide, and I could not be more excited to be working with him, Trevor, Jason, and the entire Blumhouse Team.”
While plot details remain tightly guarded, Flanagan’s involvement promises a fresh and daring exploration of the ‘The Exorcist’ universe, one that will undoubtedly captivate and terrify audiences worldwide. With his proven track record in the horror genre and his reverence for the source material, Flanagan’s radical reimagining of ‘The Exorcist’ has the potential to breathe new life into the iconic franchise and cement its place in the annals of cinematic horror for years to come.
