By MICHAEL GINGOLD
It’s been rumored and speculated about, and now we know the true details of a planned film trilogy.
Universal and Peacock have announced their acquisition of worldwide rights to THE EXORCIST, and plans to expand on the world of the landmark William Peter Blatty novel and William Friedkin movie, in partnership with Blumhouse and Morgan Creek. Three new feature films will be produced, the first (set for release October 13, 2023) to be directed by David Gordon Green, who helmed the new HALLOWEENs for Universal and Blumhouse. HALLOWEEN KILLS’ Scott Teems collaborated on the story with Green and Danny McBride, to be scripted by Green and Peter Sattler. Ellen Burstyn will reprise her role of Chris MacNeil from the 1973 classic, with Oscar-nominated actor Leslie Odom Jr. also taking part.
“Blumhouse has always experienced incredible partnership from the team at Universal,” says Jason Blum, “and I’m grateful to Donna Langley and Jimmy Horowitz for believing in the vision of David’s film and having the foresight to be flexible with distribution, so the team feels topnotch support through the lifeline of the film. They’re committed to theatrical exhibition and will also serving streaming viewers well by bringing an exciting franchise like THE EXORCIST to Peacock too. I’m grateful to be working with David Robinson and the great team at Morgan Creek on this iconic franchise.”
Adds Morgan Creek president David Robinson, “There’s no better time to be joining forces with the team at Peacock, reuniting with the great team at Universal and finally getting to work with my friends at Blumhouse, than on this classic franchise. David Gordon Green, Danny McBride, Scott Teems and Peter Sattler have put together a compelling continuation of this iconic tale and I can’t wait to bring this to fans around the world.”
