Acclaimed horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan, who this year will release Stephen King’s adaptation of Chuck’s Lifeis in negotiations to direct the next film The Exorcist for Blumhouse and Universal Pictures, according to sources deadline. Flanagan, well known for Netflix success as The Haunting of Hill House, midnight mass either The Fall of the House of Usher, will join the project after the departure of David Gordon Green, who left the franchise reactivated at the beginning of the year. Universal and Blumhouse acquired the rights in July 2021 for $400 million, planning at least three new moviesalthough it is still unclear if Flanagan will direct more than one.
Delay of ‘The Exorcist: Deceiver’
the movie The Exorcist: Believerstarring Leslie Odom Jr. and franchise veteran Ellen Burstyn, did not meet expectations, earning only $26.4 million at the box office upon its release in the United States. The sequel, The Exorcist: Deceiverinitially scheduled for release on April 18, 2025, has been postponed following Green’s departure, being replaced in the lineup by Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic. This change has left a void that Flanagan could fillbringing a new direction to the saga.
The director, who has gained recognition for his ability to weave complex narratives of psychological and supernatural horror, seems a promising choice to revitalize this saga that has had difficulty replicating the cultural and critical impact of the original 1973 film. His previous projects, which include Gerald’s game and Doctor Sleephave been praised for their intense atmosphere and respectful of the original materialskills that will be crucial in managing a saga with such an iconic and tumultuous legacy.
A franchise in decline
However, taking the reins of The Exorcist It is not without risks. Despite the prestige that the first film continues to have, the sequels have failed to capture either the essence or the success of their predecessor, often being criticized for their lack of originality and cohesion. Flanagan faces the challenge of revitalizing a series that has disappointed fans and critics for decades. While his track record suggests that he might be able to inject new life into the franchise, he also runs the risk of being associated with another failed installment that could affect his reputation.
