Everything We Know About David Gordon Green’s ‘The Exorcist’ Trilogy
Following the successful resurrection of the Halloween franchise, Universal Pictures, Peacock, Blumhouse Productions, and Morgan Creek Entertainment have closed a $400 million dollar deal to breathe new life into The Exorcist franchise via a trilogy of films that will serve as sequels to the 1973 original. David Gordon Green has signed on to helm (and co-write with Peter Sattler) all three installments.
Green previously confirmed that the first entry in the new trilogy (which is expected to bow before audiences October 13, 2023) has been written. Additionally, the Halloween (2018) director revealed that the second and third films in the trilogy were already outlined (as of late 2021).
So, what else can fans expect from David Gordon Green’s Exorcist trilogy? Well, grab yourself a refreshing bowl of split pea soup and brace yourself for all of the news. Because we want to keep you in the loop, we have put together a rundown outlining everything we know so far about the forthcoming Exorcist trilogy.
The New Films Will be Framed as Sequels, as Opposed to Retelling the Original Story
The first film in the forthcoming trilogy is set to serve as a sequel to the 1978 original, rather than a reboot, as many had initially suspected. From what we have gathered, the new trilogy will be set in the present and will feature some exciting talent!
Ellen Burstyn Will Reprise Her Role from the Original
Speaking of exciting talent, Academy Award-nominated actor Leslie Odom Jr. will feature in the first trilogy installment as a man whose child is possessed by a demon. In a quest for answers, Odom Jr.’s character tracks down Chris MacNeil (who will again be portrayed by Ellen Burstyn) in the hopes that her ordeal with Regan may shed some light on the debacle in which he presently finds himself.
Jamie Lee Curtis Would Like to Voice the Possessed Child
There has been no official announcement made regarding precisely whom Green will tap to voice the demonic youngster in this new incarnation. But Jamie Lee Curtis (with whom Green collaborated on his Halloween trilogy) has chimed in to suggest she would be very interested in taking over for the iconic Mercedes McCambridge (who passed in 2004 but voiced possessed Regan in the 1973 original).
Linda Blair is Not Expected to Return
While Ellen Burstyn has been confirmed as reprising her role, Linda Blair made headlines by revealing that (as of the publication of a July 2021 tweet) she will not be returning alongside her onscreen mother. Blair’s tweet read:
“To all my fans asking about my involvement in the new Exorcist reboot, as of now there has not been any discussion about me participating or reprising my role.” She continued by saying “I wish all those involved the best and I appreciate the loyalty and passion the fans have for The Exorcist and my character.”
The fact that Blair prefaced the statements with “as of now” seems to suggest she isn’t closed off to the idea of returning for the upcoming sequel or possibly one of the two follow-ups if asked. And given the fan reaction to the news, I would almost be surprised if she didn’t make an appearance in one of the three films.
Producer Jason Blum Wants Green’s Sequel to be a Film for New and Existing Fans Alike
The Blumhouse executive understands that horror aficionados may be skeptical. But he seems confident that what Green has in mind will win people over. “I want to make a movie that works for both [audiences],” he told Den of Geek. “I want to make a movie for people that know and love the first Exorcist and are furious that we’re doing this, but somehow drag themselves to the theater. I want them to come out happy. And I want to make a movie that people who’ve never heard of The Exorcist really enjoy. I think David did that with Halloween. I think he’ll do that with The Exorcist also.”
The Sequels Won’t Necessarily Ret-Con the Existing Follow-Ups to the 1973 Original
In a conversation with Total Film, David Gordon Green explained “It’s not inaccurate [that it will be a sequel to the original film]. I like all the Exorcist movies,” the director explained. “And not only do I like them, I think they can all fall into the acceptable mythology for what I’m doing. It’s not like I’m saying, ‘Pretend that The Exorcist 2 never happened.’ That’s fine to exist. They’re all fine to exist, and I enjoy all of them.”
While there was scuttlebutt and speculation that the Halloween (2018) director had plans to ignore everything that came after the original, his statement pretty clearly suggests he doesn’t have designs on dismantling the existing series cannon. Some of that likely pertains to the fact that the timeline isn’t quite as messy as that of the Halloween franchise.
So, those are all the major developments we know about The Exorcist trilogy so far. Hit us up on Twitter to let us know your thoughts!
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