By Previously rumored, it has now been confirmed in a press release from Universal Pictures that filmmaker Mike Flanagan will write, direct and produce a “radical new take” on “The Exorcist” for Blumhouse and Morgan Creek.
Universal scored the rights to the franchise for $400 million in June 2021 with the intent of producing a new trilogy of “The Exorcist” films akin to their “Halloween” revival trilogy that began in 2018.
David Gordon Green helmed the first film “The Exorcist: Believer” which released last year to scathing reviews, little audience interest, and a decent $137 million box-office haul from a $30 million budget.
After the film failed to catch attention, Blumhouse chief Jason Blum indicated they were reconceiving their plans. The result is bringing in Flanagan for an all-new story.
Flanagan has helmed acclaimed horror films like “Doctor Sleep,” “Gerard’s Game,” “Hush” and “Oculus” along with creating/directing the Netflix mini-series “The Haunting of Hill House,” “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” “Midnight Mass” and “The Fall of the House of Usher”.
In the release, Flanagan says: “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. Reuniting with my friends at Blumhouse, with whom I’ve made some of my favorite pieces of work, only makes this more exciting.”
Flanagan most recently wrapped “The Life of Chuck” based on the novella by Stephen King and continues to develop the multi film and TV adaptation of King’s “The Dark Tower” saga.
Trevor Macy and John Scherer will produce.
Source: Universal Pictures
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