Mike Flanagan? a photo from “The Exorcist: Believer”.
Sila Shiloni? Everett
The Exorcist The franchise is being renewed after a polarizing response to last year’s The Exorcist: Faithful.
Horror maestro Mike Flanagan will write, direct and produce what Blumhouse describes as a “radical new take” on the franchise, set in Exorcist universe but not continuity Faithful.
by Flanagan Exorcist The hiring is a notable change in direction that comes nearly three years after Universal announced a $400 million majestic which would allow him to make a trilogy of it Exorcist films to be directed by David Gordon Green, the director behind Universal and Blumhouse’s hit Carnival movie theater. These designs were shelved after Green’s Faithful earned negative reviews and grossed $137 million at the box office.
Flanagan is a prolific and respected hand in the horror world, known for directing Stephen King adaptations such as Doctor sleep and Gerald’s Game and creating TV shows such as Midnight Liturgy, The Haunting of Hill House and The Fall of the House of Usher. His participation in Exorcist has been rumored for weeks after The Insneider newsletter he reported being watched for work.
“The Exorcist he’s one of the reasons I became a director and I’m honored to have the opportunity to try something fresh, bold and scary in his universe. Reuniting with my friends at Blumhouse, with whom I’ve made some of my favorite projects, makes it all the more exciting,” said Flanagan, who previously worked with the company as a writer and director on Oculus (2013), Silence (2016) and Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016).
Producers in Flanagan’s new Exorcist The film features Trevor Macy on behalf of Intrepid Pictures and Flanagan through his new Red Room Pictures banner. John Scherer of Intrepid is also in the mix for the film.
“Mike’s voice and vision are essential for horror fans and we are thrilled to welcome him back to Blumhouse. I immediately responded to Mike’s new understanding of his world The Exorcist and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it,” said Jason Blum, founder and CEO of Blumhouse.
Added David Robinson, president and CEO of Morgan Creek, which owns the rights The Exorcist: “It is an honor to work with Mike. I think his vision for this franchise will amaze audiences around the world, and I couldn’t be more excited to work with him, Trevor, Jason and the entire Blumhouse team.”
Flanagan’s hiring closes the door on planned sequels Faithful, which brought back Ellen Burstyn, who starred in the original 1973 film that is considered one of the greatest horror films of all time. It earned 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
Flanagan, Macy, Intrepid and Red Room are repped by WME, with VanderKloot Law also reprising Flanagan and Reder & Feig handling Macy.
