Blumhouse has made it official: Doctor Sleep filmmaker Mike Flanagan is set to write, direct, and produce a “radical new take” on The Exorcist in partnership with genre producer Morgan Creek.
This announcement follows the underwhelming box office performance of the previous film, The Exorcist: Believer, which grossed only $137 million worldwide. Director David Gordon Green has since exited the series, leaving an open spot for fresh creative leadership.
A Bold New Direction
This upcoming installment centers on demon possession and Jesuit priests, but will not be a sequel to 2023’s The Exorcist: Believer. Instead, it promises to be a wholly new story within the The Exorcist universe. Trevor Macy will produce on behalf of Intrepid Pictures, along with Flanagan via his Red Room Pictures banner. John Scherer will also contribute under Intrepid.
Flanagan’s Track Record with Blumhouse
This project marks the fourth collaboration between Flanagan and Blumhouse. Previously, Flanagan directed Oculus (2013), Hush (2016), and Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016), all of which were produced by Macy.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the new project, Flanagan said, 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 added, Reuniting with my friends at Blumhouse, with whom I’ve made some of my favorite pieces of work, only makes this more exciting.
High Expectations from Partners
Blumhouse’s Jason Blum expressed his excitement as well: Mike’s voice and vision are indispensable for horror fans, and we are excited to welcome him back to Blumhouse.
David Robinson, Chairman and CEO of Morgan Creek, echoed these sentiments saying, I think his vision for this franchise is going to stun audiences worldwide.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The recent performance of The Exorcist: Believer has left some uncertainty about the future of the franchise. However, this new direction spearheaded by Flanagan could potentially reignite interest and bring innovative storytelling elements that resonate with modern audiences.
The collaboration between Intrepid Pictures and Red Room Pictures underlines a strategic push towards crafting atmospheric and psychologically intense films. As fans eagerly await further details, this promising project has all eyes on how it will reshape the legacy of The Exorcist.
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