In a thrilling announcement that has horror fans around the world on the edge of their seats, one of the most iconic horror franchises, The Exorcist, is back with a chilling new installment, The Exorcist: Believer. Packed with demonic possession, spine-chilling suspense, and familiar faces, this soft reboot, directed by David Gordon Green, promises to send shivers down your spine when it hits theaters worldwide this October.
The trailer opens with a haunting melody, composer Jack Nitzsche’s iconic Exorcist theme, setting the eerie tone for what’s to come. Ellen Burstyn, the legendary actress who originally played Chris MacNeil, reprises her role decades later, bringing her unparalleled expertise to battle the ultimate evil once again. Burstyn’s return adds a nostalgic touch to the film and heightens the anticipation among long-time fans.
The Exorcist: Believer is set to kick off a brand-new trilogy, inspired by the bestselling novel penned by William Peter Blatty. Following the successful resurrection of the Halloween franchise by Green and his collaborator Danny McBride, expectations are high for their fresh take on this groundbreaking horror classic.
The story revolves around the disappearance of two young girls, Angela (Lidya Jewett) and Katherine (newcomer Olivia Marcum), who vanish mysteriously in the woods for an inexplicable three days. Upon their return, they seem unaware of what occurred during their absence, but strange and sinister events start unfolding, hinting at a malevolent entity’s presence. The heart of the narrative lies in the desperate attempt to save the possessed children from their demonic captor. Angela’s father, Victor Fielding, portrayed by the talented Leslie Odom Jr. (known for his role in Hamilton), embarks on a quest to seek help from the only person alive with the knowledge to banish such a supernatural force: Chris MacNeil.
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Ellen Burstyn‘s portrayal of Chris MacNeil is anticipated to be a standout performance, showcasing her character’s evolution into an expert on exorcism practices over the past 50 years. She knows that confronting an evil entity from the depths of Hell requires an amalgamation of exorcism rituals from multiple religions, and she is determined to save the innocent souls from the clutches of darkness.
The ensemble cast also includes Emmy winner Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale) as Victor and Angela’s neighbor, adding to the film’s star-studded lineup. Furthermore, Grammy winner Jennifer Nettles (The Righteous Gemstones) and two-time Tony winner Norbert Leo Butz (known for his roles in Fosse/Verdon and Bloodline) portray Katherine’s parents, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
Behind the scenes, the film boasts a talented team of writers and producers, including Green and McBride, who co-wrote the screenplay with Peter Sattler (known for Camp X-Ray). They also serve as executive producers, joined by Stephanie Allain, Ryan Turek, and Atilla Yücer. The production team consists of renowned figures like Jason Blum, David Robinson, and James G. Robinson, ensuring that the film remains true to its roots while delivering fresh and terrifying scares to captivate a new generation of horror enthusiasts.
Fans won’t have to wait long to experience The Exorcist: Believer’s heart-pounding terror, as the film is set to hit theaters on Friday, October 13. Additionally, a sequel, officially titled The Exorcist: Deceiver, is already in the works, slated for release on April 18, 2025, promising an extended journey into the sinister world of demonic possession. Prepare to be terrified, as The Exorcist franchise makes its spine-chilling return with The Exorcist: Believer. Mark your calendars for October and brace yourself for a cinematic experience that will haunt your dreams and challenge your beliefs in the face of darkness.