In a move that signifies a shift in direction for the beloved horror series, Mike Flanagan has been announced as the new director, writer, and producer for the upcoming The Exorcist film. This comes nearly three years after Universal inked a $400 million deal to create a trilogy of The Exorcist movies.
Blumhouse, the production company behind this reboot, described Flanagan’s take as a radical new direction. Unlike its predecessor, The Exorcist: Believer, which received mixed reviews and managed to pull in only $137 million globally, Flanagan’s version will not be a sequel but rather an attempt to reinvent the iconic horror franchise from scratch.
A Visionary in Horror
Flanagan is renowned in the horror genre, recognized for his work on Stephen King’s adaptations like Doctor Sleep and Gerald’s Game. His TV series such as Midnight Mass, The Haunting of Hill House, and The Fall of the House of Usher have solidified his reputation as a masterful storyteller in modern horror.
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,
said Flanagan.
No Signature Monologues
However, one thing fans shouldn’t expect are Flanagan’s trademark monologues. Known for his intricate dialogues that delve deep into character psyche, his upcoming project will eschew these long-winded moments in favor of keeping pace with the franchise’s terrifying legacy.
Blumhouse’s Confidence
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,
expressed Jason Blum, founder and CEO of Blumhouse.
This transition also means curtains for sequels to The Exorcist: Believer, closing out any continuation from Ellen Burstyn’s reprisal role. Burstyn originally starred in William Friedkin’s 1973 classic that earned ten Oscar nominations.
A Fresh Start for The Exorcist
David Robinson, chairman and CEO of Morgan Creek—a company holding rights to The Exorcist—agreed: 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 Macy, Jason Blum and the entire Blumhouse Team.
A Promising Collaboration
The involvement of Flanagan also reunites him with collaborator Trevor Macy from Intrepid Pictures. The pair previously teamed up on successful projects such as Oculus, Hush, and Ouija: Origin of Evil. With Intrepid Pictures supporting production alongside Flanagan’s Red Room Pictures banner, anticipation builds around what fresh horror magic they will conjure this time.
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