Alright horror fans, we’ve got a huge update about the upcoming The Exorcist movie! First off, Universal and Peacock, who has teamed up with Blumhouse and Morgan Creek, have just announced that the new film will kick off a three-film franchise with the first film being directed by David Gordon Green, who also worked with Universal and Blumhouse on the new Halloween trilogy.
Academy-Award® Nominee Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton, One Night In Miami) is set to star alongside Ellen Burstyn, who played the iconic role of Regan’s mother, Chris MacNeil, in the original 1973 film, which scored her an Academy Award nomination.
As for the rumor that the first film will be a reboot, we can confirm that the movie is being described as a “continuation of the quintessential possession horror film.” This confirms that it will not be a reboot or remake, but a sequel to the original film.
There’s no better time to be joining forces with the team at Peacock, reuniting with the great team at Universal and finally getting to work with my friends at Blumhouse, than on this classic franchise, ” said David Robinson, Morgan Creek President. “David Gordon Green, Danny McBride, Scott Teems and Peter Sattler have put together a compelling continuation of this iconic tale and I can’t wait to bring this to fans around the world.”
Scott Teems (Halloween Kills, The Quarry), Danny McBride (Halloween Kills, Halloween), and David Gordon Green teamed up for the story being penned by Peter Sattler (Broken Diamonds) and David Gordon Green. Jason Blum will produce on behalf of Blumhouse. David Robinson and James Robinson will produce for Morgan Creek. David Gordon Green, Danny McBride, and Couper Samuelson will executive produce. Ryan Turek is overseeing the project for Blumhouse.
The deal is indicative of the continued success between Universal and Blumhouse. Over the last eight years, the partnership has had a remarkable run with original box office breakout hits like Get Out, Split, and The Invisible Man. Blumhouse and Universal films have collectively grossed more than $3 billion at the worldwide box office, with 10 No. 1 openings at the domestic box office. Halloween alone brought in $250 million in box office worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing chapter in the four-decade franchise. It also set a new record for the biggest opening weekend in history for a horror film starring a woman (Jamie Lee Curtis).
Blumhouse has always experienced incredible partnership from the team at Universal, and I’m grateful to Donna Langley and Jimmy Horowitz for believing in the vision of David’s film and having the foresight to be flexible with distribution, so the team feels top notch support through the lifeline of the film. They’re committed to theatrical exhibition and will also serving streaming viewers well by bringing an exciting franchise like the ‘Exorcist’ to Peacock too,” said Jason Blum, CEO and Founder of Blumhouse. “I’m grateful to be working with David Robinson and the great team at Morgan Creek on this iconic franchise.”
The Exorcist has grossed over $441 million to date, making it the highest domestic grossing horror film for a 44-year-long run. The picture was also nominated for 10 Academy-Awards®, including one for Ellen Burstyn, who was nominated for Best Actress. The film also nabbed the honor of being the first horror film ever nominated for Best Picture.
The first film of The Exorcist Trilogy has just received its release date and will premiere in theaters on October 13, 2023.
