Mike Flanagan to direct “radical” new Exorcist movie 

Horror maestro Mike Flanagan, the man behind horror movies like Doctor Sleep and Gerald’s Game and TV shows Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass has been confirmed to write, direct and produce what Blumhouse is describing as a “radical new take” on the Exorcist franchise.

This new direction of the franchise comes after Universal’s $400 million deal to allow it to make a trilogy of new Exorcist movies. Those movies were originally planned to be helmed by Halloween’s David Gordon Green (who spoke to us about his hopes of making a trilogy) but the first of that trilogy Exorcist: Believer was met with negative reviews. 

This new movie from Flanagan is said to be set in the Exorcist universe but not a sequel to Believer.

“The Exorcist is one of the reasons I became a filmmaker, and it is an honor to have the chance to try something fresh, bold and terrifying within its universe. Reuniting with my friends at Blumhouse, with whom I’ve made some of my favorite pieces of work, only makes this more exciting,” said Flanagan.

The new movie is said to be about demon-possessed people and the Jesuit priests that wrangle them.

“Mike’s voice and vision are indispensable for horror fans, and we are excited to welcome him back to Blumhouse,” said Jason Blum, founder and CEO of Blumhouse. “I immediately responded to Mike’s new take on the world of The Exorcist and can’t wait for audiences to experience it.” 

This would be the fourth team-up between Flanagan and Blumhouse: the filmmaker wrote and directed Oculus (2013), Hush (2016) and Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016).

“It’s an honor to be working with Mike,” added David Robinson, chairman and CEO of Morgan Creek, which has the rights to The Exorcist.  “I think his vision for this franchise is going to stun audiences worldwide, and I could not be more excited to be working with him, Trevor, Jason and the entire Blumhouse Team.”

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