Mike Flanagan explains why he “very aggressively” fought to do his new take on The Exorcist. Five sequels and prequels would follow William Friedkin’s seminal 1973 horror movie, the most recent being David Gordon Green’s The Exorcist: Believer (2023). After Green’s film disappointed critically and commercially, Flanagan, who is best known for projects like The Haunting of Hill House (2018) and Doctor Sleep (2019), is now taking the reins for the franchise in what has been described as a “radical new take” on the IP.
In a recent interview with THR, Flanagan shares more details about his upcoming Exorcist film, revealing that he pushed hard to be chosen as the filmmaker behind whatever project would follow Green’s. According to the director, he passionately felt like his unique idea for the franchise was worth pursuing, and that it could end up being “the scariest movie I’ve ever made.” Check out his comment below:
We aren’t making this easy on ourselves. (Laughs.) But I’ve always felt that there’s no point in going into a franchise or into a property that monolithic unless there’s something new you can bring. I chased The Exorcist very aggressively because I was convinced I had something that I could add.
This is an opportunity to do something that I believe has never been done within the franchise — something that honors what came before it but isn’t built on nostalgia. I really just saw an opportunity to make the scariest movie I’ve ever made. I know expectations are high. No one’s more intimidated than I am.
What Mike Flanagan’s Update Means For The Exorcist Franchise
Will His New Movie Avoid The Mistakes Of Exorcist: Believer?
Flanagan has become one of the most notable filmmakers working in horror over the past decade or so, and he’s built up a resume of projects that strike a chord with both audiences and critics. Though he’s worked extensively with Netflix, churning out limited series like The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020), and Midnight Mass (2021), his work in the feature film space has also been impressive with projects like Oculus (2013) and Hush (2016). Flanagan’s Exorcist film, then, is an exciting prospect due to his resume alone.
Interestingly, Flanagan’s latest update also teases how his take might differ from The Exorcist: Believer. Green’s film was widely criticized for offering little beyond callbacks to the 1973 original stylistically and in terms of its story. Flanagan’s movie, however, will seemingly attempt to push the franchise into some new territory, seemingly leaving the story of Chris (Ellen Burstyn) and Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) behind after the pair returned to play a role in The Exorcist: Believer.
The Exorcist: Believer has only a 22% critics’ score and 59% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Green’s reboot grossed $136.3 million worldwide, a disappointing result given the $400 million it cost NBCUniversal for the rights.
Our Take On Mike Flanagan’s Exorcist Movie
Why It’s One To Look Forward To
Though there are parts of Green’s film that work, and Regan’s Exorcist: Believer cameo was a fun surprise, the franchise is better off going in a new direction. Flanagan is a great candidate for the job as he not only has a proven track record of making scary projects, but he also has a distinct voice and style as a filmmaker. In addition to scares, audiences can be relatively confident that Flanagan’s Exorcist movie will have some moving themes and a deeper emotional core, both of which could help it achieve success.
Source: THR
The Exorcist
“The Exorcist” is a horror franchise that began with the iconic 1973 film, widely regarded as one of the scariest movies ever made. The franchise revolves around themes of demonic possession and exorcism, typically focusing on the battle between priests and evil spirits. Known for its terrifying atmosphere, psychological depth, and religious themes, “The Exorcist” has expanded into multiple films, a TV series, novels, and more, leaving a lasting impact on the horror genre.
- Created by
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William Peter Blatty
- First TV Show
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The Exorcist
- Latest TV Show
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The Exorcist
- First Episode Air Date
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September 23, 2016
- Cast
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Linda Blair
, Ellen Burstyn
, Max Von Sydow
, Jason Miller
, Lee J. Cobb
, Kitty Winn
, Richard Burton
, Louise Fletcher
, John Boorman
, Geena Davis
, Ben Daniels
, Alfonso Herrera - TV Show(s)
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The Exorcist
- Character(s)
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Regan MacNeil
, Father Merrin
, Father Karras
, Pazuzu
, Chris MacNeil
, Father Dyer
, Lieutenant Kinderman
, Angela Rance
, Father Marcus Keane
, Father Tomas Ortega - Video Game(s)
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The Exorcist: Legion VR SIN
Summary
“The Exorcist” is a horror franchise that began with the iconic 1973 film, widely regarded as one of the scariest movies ever made. The franchise revolves around themes of demonic possession and exorcism, typically focusing on the battle between priests and evil spirits. Known for its terrifying atmosphere, psychological depth, and religious themes, “The Exorcist” has expanded into multiple films, a TV series, novels, and more, leaving a lasting impact on the horror genre.
