In a remarkable shift in direction, Mike Flanagan has been tapped to direct a new take on “The Exorcist” franchise, abandoning previous plans for a trilogy helmed by David Gordon Green. Flanagan, a renowned horror filmmaker, is known for his work on Stephen King adaptations and TV shows like “Midnight Mass” and “The Haunting of Hill House”.
Flanagan’s involvement has been rumored for weeks, and he expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “The Exorcist is one of the reasons I became a filmmaker… it’s an honor to try something fresh, bold, and terrifying within its universe.” He will reunite with Blumhouse, with whom he previously collaborated on “Oculus”, “Hush”, and “Ouija: Origin of Evil”.
Jason Blum, founder and CEO of Blumhouse, welcomed Flanagan back to the company, saying, “Mike’s voice and vision are indispensable for horror fans… I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.” David Robinson, chairman and CEO of Morgan Creek, which holds the rights to “The Exorcist”, also expressed his excitement about working with Flanagan, stating, “His vision for this franchise is going to stun audiences worldwide.”
Flanagan’s hiring marks a new direction for the franchise, closing the door on the planned sequels to “Believer”, which starred Ellen Burstyn, a veteran of the original 1973 film. The new project will be produced by Trevor Macy, John Scherer, and Flanagan through his new banner, Red Room Pictures.