Blumhouse has confirmed what many in the industry speculated: Doctor Sleep filmmaker Mike Flanagan will helm the next project in the iconic The Exorcist franchise. The new film is being described as a radical new take
on the horror classic, and it’s set to bring fresh terror with the backing of Morgan Creek and genre producer Blumhouse.
The announcement follows the lukewarm performance of The Exorcist: Believer, which grossed $65.5 million in the U.S. and Canada, and $136.2 million worldwide. This underwhelming box office showing prompted NBCUniversal, Peacock, and Blumhouse to acquire the franchise rights from Morgan Creek for a hefty $400 million back in July 2021. David Gordon Green, who directed the last movie, has stepped away from this continuation.
The upcoming film promises an all-new story set in The Exorcist‘s universe but won’t serve as a sequel to 2023’s installment. According to the press release, it will be produced by Trevor Macy via Intrepid Pictures alongside Flanagan’s new Red Room Pictures banner. John Scherer from Intrepid will also be involved.
This marks the fourth collaboration between Flanagan and Blumhouse. Their prior projects include Oculus (2013), Hush (2016), and Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016). Each was produced by Macy, with the latter film recently spotlighted in Blumhouse’s Halfway to Halloween AMC Film Series.
Speaking about the new project, Flanagan expressed his enthusiasm: 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.
Blumhouse Boss Jason Blum commented on Flanagan’s involvement: 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.
Morgan Creek’s Chairman and CEO David Robinson echoed similar sentiments: 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.
Morgan Creek’s senior representation includes familiar names with Flanagan, Macy, Intrepid, and Red Room represented by WME, VanderKloot Law for Flanagan, and Reder & Feig for Macy. This deal was first hinted at by The InSneider earlier this year.
Follow Us
