Over fifty years have elapsed since the groundbreaking horror film “The Exorcist” took the world by storm. The horrifying tale, directed by the legendary William Friedkin, sent chills down the spine of moviegoers, carving a niche in the annals of cinematic history.
Now, in a much-anticipated return, Ellen Burstyn is set to bring back the character of Chris MacNeil to life in the sequel, “The Exorcist: Believer.”
The reins of this latest installment are in the skilled hands of David Gordon Green, the mastermind behind the recent revival of the “Halloween” series.
Unraveling the Trilogy: From ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ to ‘The Exorcist: Deceiver’
In a jaw-dropping announcement this Tuesday, Universal Pictures shed light on the future of this legendary horror franchise. Besides unveiling the spine-chilling trailer for “Believer,” they revealed the sequel, “The Exorcist: Deceiver,” with its planned theatrical release set for April 18, 2025.
The one-two punch of these films signifies the beginning of an ambitious plan to release an entire “Exorcist” trilogy, aiming to captivate a new generation of horror enthusiasts.
The plot of “The Exorcist: Believer” is intriguing, veering away from the lone demonic possession trope. Instead, it features two girls who fall prey to demonic possession following their rescue from a supposed kidnapping. Burstyn’s Chris MacNeil, having battled demonic possession in her daughter, steps up to help these tormented girls.
However, the lingering question is whether she truly possesses the strength and knowledge to save them.
The trailer teases viewers with disturbing images of the girls covered in bloody Satanic markings and seen consuming pages from the Bible, adding to the unsettling ambiance.
Unfolding a Gripping Tale of Terror
The official storyline sets the tone for a hair-raising plot:
“Following the tragic death of his pregnant wife in a devastating Haitian earthquake 12 years prior, Victor Fielding (portrayed by Leslie Odom, Jr.) has dedicated himself to raising their daughter, Angela (played by Lidya Jewett).
But when Angela and her friend Katherine (played by Olivia Marcum) mysteriously disappear in the woods, only to return three days later without memory of their ordeal, a series of chilling events get triggered. Faced with evil, a terrified and desperate Victor reaches out to the only person who has confronted such horror before Chris MacNeil.”
Adding to the talented ensemble cast led by Burstyn are some excellent actors, including Ann Dowd, Okwui Okpokwasili, Jennifer Nettles, and Raphael Sbarge. These seasoned performers promise to bring depth and intensity to this fresh interpretation of the beloved horror classic.
Retracing the Legacy, Redefining the Sequence
The original “Exorcist,” based on the novel by William Peter Blatty, revolved around a demonic entity’s possession of a young girl, Regan (played by Linda Blair). Her desperate actress mother, played by Burstyn, seeks the help of priests to perform an exorcism.
The movie’s gruesome and intensely religious scenes sparked public controversy and reports of physical reactions from distressed viewers. Despite these, it was a box-office sensation, clinching an Oscar nomination for best picture and winning awards for best-adapted screenplay and sound.
While the original film gave birth to four sequels, “Believer” chooses to tread a new path, it steps away from the established chronology, much like Green’s rebooted “Halloween” trilogy. Similar to how the new “Halloween” series brought Jamie Lee Curtis back as an older, more hardened Laurie Strode, “Believer” returns to a more mature Chris MacNeil, still dealing with her chilling past.
The team behind “The Exorcist: Believer” includes executive producers Danny McBride, David Gordon Green, Stephanie Allain, Ryan Turek, and Atilla Yücer. The film is a collaborative production from Blumhouse, Morgan Creek Entertainment, and Rough House Pictures and is expected to hit theaters on October 13.
If you are a genre fan, you’ll want to watch the suspenseful trailer below that promises a gripping and bone-chilling cinematic experience.
