“Hallelujah,” was the message from BFI Filmmaking Fund director Mia Bays as she took to the stage at Glasgow Film Festival on March 7, to celebrate the next generation of UK talent.
“[Representation] has transformed over the past few years,” said Bays, who pointed towards the post-Times Up and MeToo movements and the impact of BFI’s diversity and inclusion targets as part of what has helped drive the opportunity for new voices to break through.
“One of my favourite terms is ‘opportunity hoarding’. There are lots of people who just sat on those opportunities, who have kept them. All of those conversations have led to this.
“[Representation] has transformed over the past few years,” said Bays, who pointed towards the post-Times Up and MeToo movements and the impact of BFI’s diversity and inclusion targets as part of what has helped drive the opportunity for new voices to break through.
“One of my favourite terms is ‘opportunity hoarding’. There are lots of people who just sat on those opportunities, who have kept them. All of those conversations have led to this.
- 3/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
Universal Pictures and Peacock forked over an amount somewhere in the range of $400 million to acquire the rights to distribute a trilogy of sequels to the 1973 classic The Exorcist, which we’re going to another collaboration between Blumhouse Productions and directed David Gordon Green (who recently delivered a trilogy of Halloween sequels), they were definitely expecting the first entry in the new trilogy to go over better with audiences than The Exorcist: Believer did when it was released last October. (You can read our 4/10 review Here.) The box office numbers were okay, the movie pulled in $137 million on a $30 million budget, but Universal was hoping for a lot better than “okay,” and the reactions were largely negative. Soon after the release of Believer, we heard that Universal and Blumhouse still intended to carry out the trilogy, but the follow-ups would be reworked. While speaking to The Direct this week, producer...
- 3/7/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Taking the internet by storm, James Gunn recently revealed the classic Superman stories that inspired him to make his hotly-anticipated Superman reboot. Although in his recent Instagram post, Gunn shared a ton of Clark Kent stories that heavily influenced his upcoming blockbuster, fans seemingly set their eyes on one particular panel.
James Gunn | image: Inside of You/YouTube
While James Gunn’s primary influences stem back to 1939 Superman #1, fans are hooked to the specific panel from All-Star Superman, which seemed to be a home run, if included in the upcoming movie. Witnessing the particularly enticing panel from All-Star Superman as an inspiration for Gunn’s Superman, fans almost forgave the DC CEO for booting Henry Cavill.
James Gunn Cited His Inspirations for Superman
Although we’re still more than a year away from when James Gunn’s Superman will hit the theatres, the DC head knows how to keep the buzz alive on the internet.
James Gunn | image: Inside of You/YouTube
While James Gunn’s primary influences stem back to 1939 Superman #1, fans are hooked to the specific panel from All-Star Superman, which seemed to be a home run, if included in the upcoming movie. Witnessing the particularly enticing panel from All-Star Superman as an inspiration for Gunn’s Superman, fans almost forgave the DC CEO for booting Henry Cavill.
James Gunn Cited His Inspirations for Superman
Although we’re still more than a year away from when James Gunn’s Superman will hit the theatres, the DC head knows how to keep the buzz alive on the internet.
- 3/7/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
The new ‘apocalyptic horror’ feature “A Quiet Place: Day One”, directed by Michael Sarnoski stars Lupita Nyong'o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff and Djimon Hounsou, releasing June 28, 2024 in theaters:
“…the spin-off prequel to the ‘A Quiet Place’ film series, the first movie (2018) featured sightless extraterrestrial aliens with sharp hearing and impenetrable armor plating taking over the planet and killing off most of the human population.
“The ‘Abbott’ family – mother Evelyn’, father ‘Lee’, deaf daughter ‘Regan’ and sons ‘Marcus’ and ‘Beau’ -live on their isolated farm in the middle of a forest in upstate New York, and have survived by taking precautions…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…the spin-off prequel to the ‘A Quiet Place’ film series, the first movie (2018) featured sightless extraterrestrial aliens with sharp hearing and impenetrable armor plating taking over the planet and killing off most of the human population.
“The ‘Abbott’ family – mother Evelyn’, father ‘Lee’, deaf daughter ‘Regan’ and sons ‘Marcus’ and ‘Beau’ -live on their isolated farm in the middle of a forest in upstate New York, and have survived by taking precautions…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 2/10/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Dateline presents “Evil Paid a Visit,” airing this Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 9 p.m. Et/8 p.m. Ct. Brace yourself for an emotionally charged journey as a courageous Connecticut woman shares her harrowing tale of survival and the relentless pursuit of justice.
The story unfolds in the quiet streets of Waterbury, Connecticut, where a horrifying crime shattered the tranquility of one woman’s life. Andrea Canning leads viewers through the gripping narrative, delving into the heart-wrenching details of a brutal assault that took place within the sanctity of the victim’s own home.
Meet Donna Palomba, a survivor whose resilience and determination serve as a beacon of hope in the face of unimaginable trauma. Through candid interviews, Donna bravely recounts her years-long battle for justice, shedding light on the obstacles she faced and the unwavering support of her loved ones.
Joined by Donna’s husband, John Palomba, viewers will witness the...
The story unfolds in the quiet streets of Waterbury, Connecticut, where a horrifying crime shattered the tranquility of one woman’s life. Andrea Canning leads viewers through the gripping narrative, delving into the heart-wrenching details of a brutal assault that took place within the sanctity of the victim’s own home.
Meet Donna Palomba, a survivor whose resilience and determination serve as a beacon of hope in the face of unimaginable trauma. Through candid interviews, Donna bravely recounts her years-long battle for justice, shedding light on the obstacles she faced and the unwavering support of her loved ones.
Joined by Donna’s husband, John Palomba, viewers will witness the...
- 2/8/2024
- by Alex Matthews
- TV Regular
For the next installment in the blockbuster “A Quiet Place” franchise, things are going back to the start.
Set to arrive in theaters this year, “A Quiet Place: Day One” will detail the origins of the alien invasion that wiped out the Earth’s noisiest citizens by focusing the action on what happened to residents of New York City on the day the sound-sensitive monsters from space first attacked.
The prequel film, which will debut on June 28, stars Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o and “Stranger Things” breakout Joseph Quinn as a pair of unlikely allies in the early stages of the alien onslaught. “Pig” filmmaker Michael Sarnoski wrote and directed “A Quiet Place: Day One” with a story assist from original franchise director John Krasinski.
“When you have a family, there is an innate expectation that they will want to stick together. We don’t have that in this film,” Nyong’o told Entertainment Weekly.
Set to arrive in theaters this year, “A Quiet Place: Day One” will detail the origins of the alien invasion that wiped out the Earth’s noisiest citizens by focusing the action on what happened to residents of New York City on the day the sound-sensitive monsters from space first attacked.
The prequel film, which will debut on June 28, stars Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o and “Stranger Things” breakout Joseph Quinn as a pair of unlikely allies in the early stages of the alien onslaught. “Pig” filmmaker Michael Sarnoski wrote and directed “A Quiet Place: Day One” with a story assist from original franchise director John Krasinski.
“When you have a family, there is an innate expectation that they will want to stick together. We don’t have that in this film,” Nyong’o told Entertainment Weekly.
- 2/7/2024
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
The trailer for “A Quiet Place: Day One” has been released, marking the latest installment in the post-apocalyptic horror franchise spawned from 2018’s “A Quiet Place.”
As the title suggests, the film will explore the beginning of the invasion in which deadly alien creatures with hyper-sonic hearing arrive on Earth.
The original film and its direct follow-up were helmed by “The Office” and “Jack Ryan” alum John Krasinski, but Michael Sarnoski directs the upcoming third installment. The first two films focused on the survival of the Abbott family, consisting of Krasinski and his real-life wife Emily Blunt as Lee and Evelyn, who do everything they can to protect their children, Regan (Millicent Simmonds) and Marcus (Noah Jupe).
“A Quiet Place Part II’s” cold open showed Lee and the rest of the Abbott family navigating the chaos of the first day of the invasion in their quaint suburban town. The prequel “Day One,...
As the title suggests, the film will explore the beginning of the invasion in which deadly alien creatures with hyper-sonic hearing arrive on Earth.
The original film and its direct follow-up were helmed by “The Office” and “Jack Ryan” alum John Krasinski, but Michael Sarnoski directs the upcoming third installment. The first two films focused on the survival of the Abbott family, consisting of Krasinski and his real-life wife Emily Blunt as Lee and Evelyn, who do everything they can to protect their children, Regan (Millicent Simmonds) and Marcus (Noah Jupe).
“A Quiet Place Part II’s” cold open showed Lee and the rest of the Abbott family navigating the chaos of the first day of the invasion in their quaint suburban town. The prequel “Day One,...
- 2/7/2024
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Warning: this post will contain spoilers for "The Exorcist: Believer."
As of this writing, actress Linda Blair has appeared as Regan MacNeil in three of the six extant "Exorcist" feature films. She was only about 13 when she appeared in William Friedkin's "The Exorcist" in 1973, and returned in 1977 to reprise her role in John Boorman's truly terrible "Exorcist II: The Heretic." Blair then sat out the three following sequels and prequels, returning in 2023 for a cameo in David Gordon Green's "The Exorcist: Believer." In that film, Regan only appeared at the very end of the film to comfort her elderly mother Chris (Ellen Burstyn) who has been blinded by a demon earlier in the picture. One might also want to count Blair's excellent comedic performance in the 1990 farce "Repossessed" as an official "Exorcist" appearance. Her character was named Nancy Aglet, but everything else in that film synchs up with Friedkin's original film.
As of this writing, actress Linda Blair has appeared as Regan MacNeil in three of the six extant "Exorcist" feature films. She was only about 13 when she appeared in William Friedkin's "The Exorcist" in 1973, and returned in 1977 to reprise her role in John Boorman's truly terrible "Exorcist II: The Heretic." Blair then sat out the three following sequels and prequels, returning in 2023 for a cameo in David Gordon Green's "The Exorcist: Believer." In that film, Regan only appeared at the very end of the film to comfort her elderly mother Chris (Ellen Burstyn) who has been blinded by a demon earlier in the picture. One might also want to count Blair's excellent comedic performance in the 1990 farce "Repossessed" as an official "Exorcist" appearance. Her character was named Nancy Aglet, but everything else in that film synchs up with Friedkin's original film.
- 1/7/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The 2024 Sundance Film Festival jury has officially been unveiled, with 16 filmmakers and artists on the juries across sections.
Multi-hyphenate producer Lena Waithe, actor Danny Pudi, and directors Debra Granik, Nicole Newnham, Jennifer Kent, Christina Oh, and Charlotte Regan are just a sampling of filmmakers who have had projects at prior Sundance festivals. All of this year’s jury members are Sundance alums to mark the festival’s 40th anniversary.
The 2024 Festival will take place January 18 through 28 in-person in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah along with a selection of films available online across the country from January 25 through 28. Many of the jurors will participate in 2024 festival programming, including announcing the awards on January 26. Awards across five categories will be honored at an intimate award ceremony held at The Ray Theatre in Park City; the short film jury winners will be announced at the Shorts Awards & Party presented by Argo...
Multi-hyphenate producer Lena Waithe, actor Danny Pudi, and directors Debra Granik, Nicole Newnham, Jennifer Kent, Christina Oh, and Charlotte Regan are just a sampling of filmmakers who have had projects at prior Sundance festivals. All of this year’s jury members are Sundance alums to mark the festival’s 40th anniversary.
The 2024 Festival will take place January 18 through 28 in-person in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah along with a selection of films available online across the country from January 25 through 28. Many of the jurors will participate in 2024 festival programming, including announcing the awards on January 26. Awards across five categories will be honored at an intimate award ceremony held at The Ray Theatre in Park City; the short film jury winners will be announced at the Shorts Awards & Party presented by Argo...
- 1/3/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Director William Friedkin and producer/screenwriter William Peter Blatty enjoyed having fun with Warner Bros. executives during the production of “The Exorcist.” The Oscar-winning horror masterpiece celebrates its 50th anniversary Dec. 26 “We always put them on,” Friedkin told me in a 2018 L.A. Times interview “They were always concerned that we were both crazy and would eventually implode the movie. So, we staged blowups in front of them, where it looked like we were fiercely arguing over the most minute, meaningless details.”
“The Exorcist” was shot in Iraq, New York City and Georgetown in Washington, D.C. But Warners wanted the film to be made at the studio in Burbank and to “shoot day for night, so we didn’t get into night shooting,” said Friedkin, who died this past August at 87.”I I said ‘no’ to everything, I said things like ‘Why shoot day for night? Why don’t we...
“The Exorcist” was shot in Iraq, New York City and Georgetown in Washington, D.C. But Warners wanted the film to be made at the studio in Burbank and to “shoot day for night, so we didn’t get into night shooting,” said Friedkin, who died this past August at 87.”I I said ‘no’ to everything, I said things like ‘Why shoot day for night? Why don’t we...
- 12/26/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
There are few people the average person associates with The Exorcist brand more than Linda Blair. The visuals of her demonic form spitting up green vomit, spider-walking down the stairs, and her head spinning around are all the stuff of legend. So when The Exorcist: Believer (read our review Here) was announced as having Ellen Burstyn return in her original role of Chris MacNeil, the general consensus was: Where’s Blair?
I was very fortunate to sit down with Linda Blair to discuss all things Exorcist in anticipation of the film’s 50th anniversary. Linda is an absolute sweetheart and a highlight of talking to her was when she brought up how William Friedkin (lovingly referred to as “Billy”) would always call people whose name he didn’t know: JoBlo. I can only imagine what he thought when this site popped up in the 90s! But we, of course, got into all things Exorcist.
I was very fortunate to sit down with Linda Blair to discuss all things Exorcist in anticipation of the film’s 50th anniversary. Linda is an absolute sweetheart and a highlight of talking to her was when she brought up how William Friedkin (lovingly referred to as “Billy”) would always call people whose name he didn’t know: JoBlo. I can only imagine what he thought when this site popped up in the 90s! But we, of course, got into all things Exorcist.
- 12/26/2023
- by Tyler Nichols
- JoBlo.com
What an excellent day for an exorcism.
The Blumhouse film “The Exorcist: Believer” will make its streaming debut on Peacock starting on December 1.
Directed by David Gordon Green and co-written by Green and Peter Sattler, “The Exorcist: Believer” is a direct sequel to the 1973 classic “The Exorcist” and returned star Ellen Burstyn to the franchise for the first time since she received a Best Actress nomination for the original film.
“At first, she was very skeptical,” Green told A.frame, the academy’s editorial website. “Her immediate answer was, ‘Hell no.’ I think people have approached her many times about sequels, so I said, ‘If you won’t be in my movie, at least be my friend.’”
Green told the outlet he and Burstyn then began discussing his intentions for the film – particularly his approach to the material.
“Ellen and I spoke and shared literature and philosophies and had a few social conversations.
The Blumhouse film “The Exorcist: Believer” will make its streaming debut on Peacock starting on December 1.
Directed by David Gordon Green and co-written by Green and Peter Sattler, “The Exorcist: Believer” is a direct sequel to the 1973 classic “The Exorcist” and returned star Ellen Burstyn to the franchise for the first time since she received a Best Actress nomination for the original film.
“At first, she was very skeptical,” Green told A.frame, the academy’s editorial website. “Her immediate answer was, ‘Hell no.’ I think people have approached her many times about sequels, so I said, ‘If you won’t be in my movie, at least be my friend.’”
Green told the outlet he and Burstyn then began discussing his intentions for the film – particularly his approach to the material.
“Ellen and I spoke and shared literature and philosophies and had a few social conversations.
- 11/20/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Spoiler alert: this ranking of every movie in the "Exorcist" series concludes with the first film, William Friedkin's 1973 masterpiece about demonic possession and the battle between good and evil, in the top position. Sorry. There was no other way. And it wasn't even close. When the /Film horror braintrust determined the order, it was a runaway. Not a contest. 50 years after it shocked audiences around the world in its initial release, the film remains a triumph of not just horror cinema, but cinema in general. Hundreds of movies have chased it. Very few have even come close to matching it. It's one of the best movies ever made.
But the rest of the series? That's where the debate gets interesting. "The Exorcist" was followed by two divisive initial sequels, both of which have developed a following over the decades. And then there were the two (!) prequels, each of which...
But the rest of the series? That's where the debate gets interesting. "The Exorcist" was followed by two divisive initial sequels, both of which have developed a following over the decades. And then there were the two (!) prequels, each of which...
- 10/29/2023
- by SlashFilm Staff
- Slash Film
David Gordon Green’s The Exorcist: Believer has scared up over $100 million at the worldwide box office, and the film is coming home to Digital outlets for Halloween.
The Exorcist: Believer will be available exclusively on digital platforms where you can rent or buy tomorrow, October 24, 2023, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
50 years after the most terrifying horror film shocked the world, The Exorcist: Believer is a brand-new chapter in the saga, directly following on the groundbreaking original 1973 film.
Since his wife’s death, Victor (Leslie Odom Jr.) has raised his daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) alone. After Angela and her friend (Olivia O’Neill) return from a three-day disappearance with missing memories, they begin displaying frightening behavior. Victor’s best hope is to find the only person who has seen anything like this before: Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), whose haunting experience with her daughter Regan may be the key to combating ultimate evil.
The Exorcist: Believer will be available exclusively on digital platforms where you can rent or buy tomorrow, October 24, 2023, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
50 years after the most terrifying horror film shocked the world, The Exorcist: Believer is a brand-new chapter in the saga, directly following on the groundbreaking original 1973 film.
Since his wife’s death, Victor (Leslie Odom Jr.) has raised his daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) alone. After Angela and her friend (Olivia O’Neill) return from a three-day disappearance with missing memories, they begin displaying frightening behavior. Victor’s best hope is to find the only person who has seen anything like this before: Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), whose haunting experience with her daughter Regan may be the key to combating ultimate evil.
- 10/23/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
While looking for a project to follow the success of his films The French Connection and The Exorcist, director William Friedkin came across a book he found to be fascinating: Cruising by Gerald Walker, about “a series of murders in the gay bars of New York, and a detective assigned to go undercover to find the killer”. But Friedkin had already made a movie that centered on gay characters, The Boys in the Band, so he let the Cruising adaptation go by. For a while, Steven Spielberg was attached to direct the film, but wasn’t able to get it into production. In his memoir The Friedkin Connection, Friedkin revealed that it wasn’t until someone he worked with on The Exorcist turned out to be a real-life serial killer that he thought of the way to approach Cruising.
Friedkin wrote in The Friedkin Connection that in 1979 he started seeing...
Friedkin wrote in The Friedkin Connection that in 1979 he started seeing...
- 10/23/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
‘The Exorcist: Believer’ – How the New Movie Takes a Modern Approach to a Theological Horror Classic
Warning: The following contains major spoilers for The Exorcist and The Exorcist: Believer.
Before William Friedkin’s The Exorcist shook movie theaters across the country, a novel of the same name took the literary world by storm. William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist follows single mother and actress Chris MacNeil who watches in horror as her twelve-year-old daughter Regan becomes possessed by a demon called Pazuzu. After an extensive search for a medical diagnosis, Chris turns to Father Karras, a local priest caught up in his own crisis of faith. The final act sees an elder priest named Father Merrin join Karras in a dangerous exorcism that will cost both men their lives.
Blatty produced and penned the script to Friedkin’s controversial film, earning a Best Picture nomination and an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Though the cinematic version is rigorously faithful to the source material, Friedkin and...
Before William Friedkin’s The Exorcist shook movie theaters across the country, a novel of the same name took the literary world by storm. William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist follows single mother and actress Chris MacNeil who watches in horror as her twelve-year-old daughter Regan becomes possessed by a demon called Pazuzu. After an extensive search for a medical diagnosis, Chris turns to Father Karras, a local priest caught up in his own crisis of faith. The final act sees an elder priest named Father Merrin join Karras in a dangerous exorcism that will cost both men their lives.
Blatty produced and penned the script to Friedkin’s controversial film, earning a Best Picture nomination and an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Though the cinematic version is rigorously faithful to the source material, Friedkin and...
- 10/18/2023
- by Jenn Adams
- bloody-disgusting.com
We're right in the middle of spooky season, and Funko is celebrating with an impressive array of Halloween-themed horror Funko POPs for your collectible shelf. Of course, because Funko is always churning out tons of new figures all the time, we're not saying all of them are worth throwing down some cash for. That's why we're highlighting only the Funkoween and Scare Fair 2023 Funko POPs (and a bit of the selection from New York Comic-Con) that we think are worth grabbing.
If you're a fan of new scares from "The Black Phone," classics like John Carpenter's "Halloween" and William Friedkin's "The Exorcist," Netflix's "Stranger Things," the original "Insidious," and even a tinge of sci-fi with "Godzilla" or "Ghostbusters: Afterlife," you'll find something to snag for your collection. Take a look below!
Read more: The 31 Scariest Movie Scenes Ever
The Black Phone Is Ringing
Did you hear that?...
If you're a fan of new scares from "The Black Phone," classics like John Carpenter's "Halloween" and William Friedkin's "The Exorcist," Netflix's "Stranger Things," the original "Insidious," and even a tinge of sci-fi with "Godzilla" or "Ghostbusters: Afterlife," you'll find something to snag for your collection. Take a look below!
Read more: The 31 Scariest Movie Scenes Ever
The Black Phone Is Ringing
Did you hear that?...
- 10/18/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
This Halloween, Madame Tussauds New York and InterContinental New York Times Square are offering the ultimate spooky overnight stay on October 31 at the entrance of Warner Bros. Icons of Horror, where fans will have the opportunity to privately explore the experience and get up close with some of the most iconic horror characters.
It’s a Halloween slumber party for the ages, packed with seasonal tricks and treats.
From the press release: “Before the real tricks begin, guests will be treated to drinks and a three-course dinner from InterContinental’s room service menu, inspired by Warner Bros.’ The Exorcist and New Line Cinema’s The Conjuring Universe and It. When the museum’s doors close, the frightening overnight experience begins where guests will find their luxury accommodations materialized.
“The experience dares guests to explore every corner of the immersive scenes recreated from Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema’s horror films.
It’s a Halloween slumber party for the ages, packed with seasonal tricks and treats.
From the press release: “Before the real tricks begin, guests will be treated to drinks and a three-course dinner from InterContinental’s room service menu, inspired by Warner Bros.’ The Exorcist and New Line Cinema’s The Conjuring Universe and It. When the museum’s doors close, the frightening overnight experience begins where guests will find their luxury accommodations materialized.
“The experience dares guests to explore every corner of the immersive scenes recreated from Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema’s horror films.
- 10/17/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Warning: The following contains major spoilers for The Exorcist (1971) and The Exorcist: Believer (2023).
On lists ranking the scariest movies of all time, William Friedkin’s The Exorcist invariably falls at or near the top. Faithfully adapted from the 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty, the 1973 film stunned audiences with its brutal vulgarity involving then fourteen-year-old actress Linda Blair. The story follows Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), a mother and movie star who will stop at nothing to protect her daughter Regan (Blair) from a demon called Pazuzu. Coming to her aid, Fathers Merrin (Max von Sydow) and Karras (Jason Miller) perform a dangerous exorcism and lose their lives to the unholy force. In spite (or perhaps because) of the film’s notorious reputation, The Exorcist was a massive hit with box office lines stretching around the block and waves of traumatized moviegoers streaming out after the final credits. Few films since have...
On lists ranking the scariest movies of all time, William Friedkin’s The Exorcist invariably falls at or near the top. Faithfully adapted from the 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty, the 1973 film stunned audiences with its brutal vulgarity involving then fourteen-year-old actress Linda Blair. The story follows Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), a mother and movie star who will stop at nothing to protect her daughter Regan (Blair) from a demon called Pazuzu. Coming to her aid, Fathers Merrin (Max von Sydow) and Karras (Jason Miller) perform a dangerous exorcism and lose their lives to the unholy force. In spite (or perhaps because) of the film’s notorious reputation, The Exorcist was a massive hit with box office lines stretching around the block and waves of traumatized moviegoers streaming out after the final credits. Few films since have...
- 10/17/2023
- by Jenn Adams
- bloody-disgusting.com
From left: Lili Taylor in The Conjuring (New Line Cinema), Vivien Leigh in Psycho (Universal), Drew Barrymore in Scream (Dimension)Graphic: The A.V. Club
The only thing scarier than the horror movies Hollywood makes are the real-life stories that inspire them. For decades, horror films have thrived by using the...
The only thing scarier than the horror movies Hollywood makes are the real-life stories that inspire them. For decades, horror films have thrived by using the...
- 10/9/2023
- by Phil Pirrello
- avclub.com
The new installment of The Exorcist tries really hard to pay an ode to the original film, with subtle hints that true fans of the original will notice. It’s not a lousy attempt by any means; there’s a sentimental element in the film that drives it into the watchable category. “Believer,” as the name suggests, has one goal only: to “make believe.” The Exorcist: Believer starts off in Haiti, similar to how the original began in Iraq, where we’re introduced to photographer Victor and his beautiful pregnant wife, Sorenne. Sorenne finds herself smitten by the kids of Haiti, and she’s called by them to get a blessing for her unborn child. When she tells Victor about this, he is surprised to know that she believes in such things. Later in the day, when Victor is away on assignment, there’s a huge earthquake, and Victor...
- 10/8/2023
- by Ruchika Bhat
- Film Fugitives
[Editor’s note: The following interview contains spoilers.]
It’s 50 years later in “The Exorcist: Believer,” and director David Gordon Green has rebooted William Friedkin’s horror masterpiece of demonic possession without sacrificing the original’s naturalism, ambiguity, and religious faith. However, there’s a new demon, two possessed girls, and a multi-faith exorcism. That’s because, in 2023, it takes a village to battle more powerful evil.
But it was vital that Spfx makeup designer Chris Nelson (Oscar winner for “Suicide Squad”) got the demonic look right, given the importance and influence of Dick Smith’s iconic work in the Og. “Chris Nelson and our makeup team began their approach to ‘Believer’ by studying the work of Dick Smith,'” Green told IndieWire. “It was groundbreaking in 1973, and we wanted to reach for the quality of in-camera, practical, makeup effects as much as possible.
“It was two and half hours a day for actresses [Lidya Jewett as Angela...
It’s 50 years later in “The Exorcist: Believer,” and director David Gordon Green has rebooted William Friedkin’s horror masterpiece of demonic possession without sacrificing the original’s naturalism, ambiguity, and religious faith. However, there’s a new demon, two possessed girls, and a multi-faith exorcism. That’s because, in 2023, it takes a village to battle more powerful evil.
But it was vital that Spfx makeup designer Chris Nelson (Oscar winner for “Suicide Squad”) got the demonic look right, given the importance and influence of Dick Smith’s iconic work in the Og. “Chris Nelson and our makeup team began their approach to ‘Believer’ by studying the work of Dick Smith,'” Green told IndieWire. “It was groundbreaking in 1973, and we wanted to reach for the quality of in-camera, practical, makeup effects as much as possible.
“It was two and half hours a day for actresses [Lidya Jewett as Angela...
- 10/8/2023
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The Exorcist is my choice for the best horror movie of all time. Some may say Rosemary’s Baby or The Shining or Night of the Living Dead, but as a good Catholic boy, nothing has ever gotten under my skin the way William Friedkin’s original did. But, with great success comes the desire for Hollywood to make a hit into a franchise, but Friedkin was not a franchise director. He famously turned down French Connection II, but the studio, perhaps noticing how the second French Connection turned out decently, decided to go ahead and turn it into a franchise. Still, the results, with one notable exception were a disaster. So without any further adieu, here’s our list of Exorcist movies ranked – from worst to best.
Exorcist II: The Heretic
So, worst is a degree here rather than a black-and-white fact. All of the Exorcist sequels – with that one...
Exorcist II: The Heretic
So, worst is a degree here rather than a black-and-white fact. All of the Exorcist sequels – with that one...
- 10/8/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Linda Blair cemented her place in cinematic history with her role as Regan in 1973's "The Exorcist." She played a young girl possessed by a demon, and her performance proved so shocking that audiences didn't know how to react. "People were running up the aisles and into the lobby, some of them making it out to the street before vomiting, while others did it en route," Nat Segaloff wrote in his book "The Exorcist Legacy: 50 Years of Fear" (via The New York Post).
Blair reprised her role in "Exorcist II: The Heretic," and when Ellen Burstyn returned for 2023's "The Exorcist: Believer," many fans wondered if Blair would follow. Director David Gordon Green told Fandango that she consulted on the film, specifically advising new stars Lidya Jewett and Olivia O'Neill on how to deal with the troublesome subject matter. "She was very helpful in trying to navigate the psychology of our young talent,...
Blair reprised her role in "Exorcist II: The Heretic," and when Ellen Burstyn returned for 2023's "The Exorcist: Believer," many fans wondered if Blair would follow. Director David Gordon Green told Fandango that she consulted on the film, specifically advising new stars Lidya Jewett and Olivia O'Neill on how to deal with the troublesome subject matter. "She was very helpful in trying to navigate the psychology of our young talent,...
- 10/7/2023
- by Eric Langberg
- Slash Film
Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for “The Exorcist: Believer,” now playing in theaters.
After 50 years, “The Exorcist” franchise is back with “The Exorcist: Believer,” and it returns with some familiar faces.
It was announced early on that Ellen Burstyn, who played Chris MacNeil in the original “Exorcist,” would reprise her role in “The Exorcist: Believer,” which is the start of a brand new trilogy. All three movies will be helmed by director David Gordon Green, who recently rebooted the “Halloween” franchise with its own trilogy and brought back horror icon Jamie Lee Curtis to star.
It seemed inevitable that Green would bring back some of the legacy characters for his new “Exorcist” trilogy, and there was one surprise cast member that wasn’t announced ahead of time: Linda Blair, who played possessed preteen Regan MacNeil in the original “Exorcist.”
In “The Exorcist: Believer,” two young girls, Angela (Lidya Jewett...
After 50 years, “The Exorcist” franchise is back with “The Exorcist: Believer,” and it returns with some familiar faces.
It was announced early on that Ellen Burstyn, who played Chris MacNeil in the original “Exorcist,” would reprise her role in “The Exorcist: Believer,” which is the start of a brand new trilogy. All three movies will be helmed by director David Gordon Green, who recently rebooted the “Halloween” franchise with its own trilogy and brought back horror icon Jamie Lee Curtis to star.
It seemed inevitable that Green would bring back some of the legacy characters for his new “Exorcist” trilogy, and there was one surprise cast member that wasn’t announced ahead of time: Linda Blair, who played possessed preteen Regan MacNeil in the original “Exorcist.”
In “The Exorcist: Believer,” two young girls, Angela (Lidya Jewett...
- 10/7/2023
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
On December 26, 1973, horror fans endured long lines for the theatrical premiere of The Exorcist – a film that’s now considered by many to be the scariest movie ever made. Directed by William Friedkin and based on the bestselling novel by William Peter Blatty, The Exorcist broke box office records in its first week of release. Theater employees reported that moviegoers were passing out, becoming ill, and heading for the exits before the credits rolled because the subject matter was so disturbing and intense.
The creation of the classic horror film, which is the gold standard for movies dealing with possession and the devil, begins with Blatty’s novel published in 1971. Blatty’s story focused on a 12-year-old girl named Regan MacNeil who went from a happy-go-lucky, horse-loving preteen to a foul-mouthed, head-spinning nightmare after being possessed by a demon. Coming to Regan’s rescue were two Catholic priests who eventually...
The creation of the classic horror film, which is the gold standard for movies dealing with possession and the devil, begins with Blatty’s novel published in 1971. Blatty’s story focused on a 12-year-old girl named Regan MacNeil who went from a happy-go-lucky, horse-loving preteen to a foul-mouthed, head-spinning nightmare after being possessed by a demon. Coming to Regan’s rescue were two Catholic priests who eventually...
- 10/6/2023
- by Kevin Finnerty
- Showbiz Junkies
As he was finishing up his Halloween sequel trilogy, David Gordon Green was ready to take another left turn in a career full of left turns, but then Jason Blum tempted him with the idea of giving The Exorcist (1973) its own sequel trilogy treatment.
In 2021, Universal and Peacock reportedly paid $400 million for the rights to the storied horror franchise that the late great William Friedkin kicked off alongside Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Jason Miller and Max von Sydow. Green’s legacy sequel revolves around the parents of two possessed teenage girls (Lidya Jewett and Olivia O’Neill), as they turn to Chris MacNeil (Burstyn) for help in dealing with the demonic foe that took control of her now-estranged daughter, Regan (Linda Blair), in the 1973 film.
Green currently has outlines for the next two chapters of his Exorcist sequel trilogy, and while he once had plans to co-write and direct all three chapters,...
In 2021, Universal and Peacock reportedly paid $400 million for the rights to the storied horror franchise that the late great William Friedkin kicked off alongside Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Jason Miller and Max von Sydow. Green’s legacy sequel revolves around the parents of two possessed teenage girls (Lidya Jewett and Olivia O’Neill), as they turn to Chris MacNeil (Burstyn) for help in dealing with the demonic foe that took control of her now-estranged daughter, Regan (Linda Blair), in the 1973 film.
Green currently has outlines for the next two chapters of his Exorcist sequel trilogy, and while he once had plans to co-write and direct all three chapters,...
- 10/6/2023
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exactly 50 years ago, the world was introduced to a cinematic experience that would forever change the horror landscape. The Exorcist didn’t just turn heads (pun intended); it spun them 360 degrees. Fast forward to today, and we have David Gordon Green’s The Exorcist: Believer, a film that tries to channel the terror of its predecessor, but ultimately feels more muddled than a bowl of pea soup.
Our story revolves around Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom Jr.), a single father who’s been raising his daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) since the tragic death of his wife in a Haitian earthquake. Life takes a dark turn when Angela and her friend Katherine (Olivia Marcum) vanish into the woods, only to return three days later, eerily changed and with no memory of their ordeal. The setup is intriguing. The girls’ mysterious disappearance, the full-blown police search, and the subsequent medical scenes are all effectively executed,...
Our story revolves around Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom Jr.), a single father who’s been raising his daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) since the tragic death of his wife in a Haitian earthquake. Life takes a dark turn when Angela and her friend Katherine (Olivia Marcum) vanish into the woods, only to return three days later, eerily changed and with no memory of their ordeal. The setup is intriguing. The girls’ mysterious disappearance, the full-blown police search, and the subsequent medical scenes are all effectively executed,...
- 10/6/2023
- by Kimberley Elizabeth
There’s a new Exorcist movie in theatres now. The Exorcist: Believer (read our review Here) is tracking to have the highest opening weekend of the entire franchise and might end up pulling in an amount somewhere in the range of 30 to 36 million. Its theatrical run got started last night, and according to The Hollywood Reporter it drew in $2.85 million from those Thursday preview screenings.
Most of the film’s reviews are negative – it currently has a 20% score on Rotten Tomatoes and JoBlo’s own Chris Bumbray described it as “abysmal” – so we’ll have to wait and see if that’s going to have any impact on the opening weekend box office.
Director David Gordon Green crafted the story for The Exorcist: Believer with Danny McBride (who wrote all three of the new Halloweens with him) and their Halloween Kills co-writer Scott Teems, then wrote the screenplay with Peter Sattler...
Most of the film’s reviews are negative – it currently has a 20% score on Rotten Tomatoes and JoBlo’s own Chris Bumbray described it as “abysmal” – so we’ll have to wait and see if that’s going to have any impact on the opening weekend box office.
Director David Gordon Green crafted the story for The Exorcist: Believer with Danny McBride (who wrote all three of the new Halloweens with him) and their Halloween Kills co-writer Scott Teems, then wrote the screenplay with Peter Sattler...
- 10/6/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Blumhouse and Universal’s The Exorcist: Believer has started off its box office run with $2.85 million in Thursday previews at the domestic box office.
The David Gordon Green-directed horror pic opened exactly 50 years after the first Exorcist hit theaters.
Green and Blumhouse are hoping they can reinvent the Exorcist brand much as they did with the Halloween franchise. There’s plenty at stake considering Universal reportedly paid a huge $400 million for the rights to the franchise in 2021 (two more sequels are already planned).
Exorcist Believer is tracking to open to $30 million to $35 million domestically, but it remains to be seen whether bad word of mouth dings the R-rated project (its critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes is a terrible 20 percent). The movie also opens in more than 40 international markets this weekend.
It’s hardly unusual for Exorcist films to leave reviewers unimpressed. The franchise may have launched with William Friedkin’s acclaimed 1973 classic,...
The David Gordon Green-directed horror pic opened exactly 50 years after the first Exorcist hit theaters.
Green and Blumhouse are hoping they can reinvent the Exorcist brand much as they did with the Halloween franchise. There’s plenty at stake considering Universal reportedly paid a huge $400 million for the rights to the franchise in 2021 (two more sequels are already planned).
Exorcist Believer is tracking to open to $30 million to $35 million domestically, but it remains to be seen whether bad word of mouth dings the R-rated project (its critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes is a terrible 20 percent). The movie also opens in more than 40 international markets this weekend.
It’s hardly unusual for Exorcist films to leave reviewers unimpressed. The franchise may have launched with William Friedkin’s acclaimed 1973 classic,...
- 10/6/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In July 2021, it was announced that Universal Pictures had spent $400 million to acquire rights to The Exorcist. Planning a trilogy, with two sequels that would be exclusive to the studio’s streamer Peacock, they collaborated with horror outfit Blumhouse in a deal that essentially seemed rush to match Netflix’s then-groundbreaking pact to produce two Knives Out sequels. Well, in the two years since—where Wall Street has realized the long-game business plan of streaming was actually, to quote George Herbert Walker Bush, “voodoo economics”—the first entry of this (hopefully not-realized) horror trilogy lands in theaters with a not-insignificant amount of pressure to recoup the investment.
Perhaps it’s a little cynical to discuss business matters at the beginning of a film review, but I think it’s worthwhile when that adjective also describes the cinematic venture at hand. I suppose props to Jason Blum and co. on their...
Perhaps it’s a little cynical to discuss business matters at the beginning of a film review, but I think it’s worthwhile when that adjective also describes the cinematic venture at hand. I suppose props to Jason Blum and co. on their...
- 10/6/2023
- by Ethan Vestby
- The Film Stage
A handful of the faithful and the pious might have been able to tell you what an exorcist was, or what they did, before the early 1970s. After William Friedkin’s blockbuster adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s bestselling horror novel hit screens in 1973, however, the term instantly became part of the cultural lexicon. Suddenly, everyone knew about priests who supposedly specialized in dealing with demonic possessions; there were reports that churches were getting dozens of calls from congregation members requesting (or claiming to need) the ancient ritual after the movie became a sensation.
- 10/6/2023
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
This article contains mild spoilers for "The Exorcist: Believer."
In William Friedkin's 1973 adaptation of William Peter Blatty's "The Exorcist," the film opens not on the possession of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil, but on Catholic priest and archaeologist Father Merrin (Max von Sydow), who is on a dig in Northern Iraq. He comes across a medallion of Saint Joseph, as well as an idol representing the demon Pazuzu. Fans of the film "The Exorcist II: The Heretic" will know that this is representative of the demon that will later possess Regan. According to Babylonian and Assyrian myth, Pazuzu is a wind demon, and his presence in the opening indicates that Merrin has dealt with Pazuzu before.
But with this desert setting, this scene also implies that there's something foreign — other, about this statue and medallion. Almost as if the intrusion of artifacts from the Middle East is truly responsible for...
In William Friedkin's 1973 adaptation of William Peter Blatty's "The Exorcist," the film opens not on the possession of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil, but on Catholic priest and archaeologist Father Merrin (Max von Sydow), who is on a dig in Northern Iraq. He comes across a medallion of Saint Joseph, as well as an idol representing the demon Pazuzu. Fans of the film "The Exorcist II: The Heretic" will know that this is representative of the demon that will later possess Regan. According to Babylonian and Assyrian myth, Pazuzu is a wind demon, and his presence in the opening indicates that Merrin has dealt with Pazuzu before.
But with this desert setting, this scene also implies that there's something foreign — other, about this statue and medallion. Almost as if the intrusion of artifacts from the Middle East is truly responsible for...
- 10/6/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
The Exorcist from 1973 still happens to be one of the best horror films ever made. Some would argue it is the best, but we leave that to your discretion. There have been many sequels to the original movie that failed to impress audiences, and it’s the first film that is widely regarded as true terror. The film, which was brought to life mostly through practical effects, plays out in a very slow and menacing manner, but more importantly, it is scattered with little details that really make it extremely frightening. The Exorcist follows the story of actress Chris MacNeil, a mother whose loving 12-year-old becomes a different person seemingly overnight. After spending days trying to figure out what is wrong with her neurologically and then psychologically, Chris has no choice but to go to the church for help. The Exorcist begins in northern Iraq, where Father Merrin is digging...
- 10/5/2023
- by Ruchika Bhat
- Film Fugitives
There’s a new Exorcist sequel, The Exorcist: Believer, reaching theatres tomorrow, October 6th – but in his review of the film, JoBlo’s own Chris Bumbray says it’s abysmal and advises horror fans to “Watch the original instead.” And watching the 1973 classic The Exorcist (watch it Here) is always good advice to follow. The movie is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary with a 4K release and a theatrical re-release… and fifty years after it first reached the screen, there are still new things to discover about it. Filmmaker Paul Davis has taken to social media to share a snippet of actress Eileen Dietz’s Pazuzu makeup test, where she’s wearing makeup designed by the legendary Dick Smith. The snippet is less than 30 seconds long, but there’s more to come. Over Halloween, Davis will be releasing a commentary video that includes 10 minutes of unseen outtakes and the full 2 minute makeup test video.
- 10/5/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Plot: After going missing for three days, two thirteen-year-old girls (Lidya Jewett & Olivia Marcum) return with no memory of their absence but exhibiting strange, violent behaviour that the father (Leslie Odom Jr) of one girl deduces is demonic possession.
Review: Pity poor David Gordon Green. While obviously a hardcore horror fan, the former indie darling took a critical mauling with Halloween Ends and seems doomed to repeat the experience with The Exorcist: Believer. It’s supposed to be the first entry in a new trilogy of Exorcist films, but the movie is so abysmal one shouldn’t hold out too much hope for a follow-up. While it may have a strong box-office opening, word of mouth seems sure to be dire. The only thing that saves Exorcist: Believer from being called the worst Exorcist movie ever is the fact that this particular series has some very bad entries.
Review: Pity poor David Gordon Green. While obviously a hardcore horror fan, the former indie darling took a critical mauling with Halloween Ends and seems doomed to repeat the experience with The Exorcist: Believer. It’s supposed to be the first entry in a new trilogy of Exorcist films, but the movie is so abysmal one shouldn’t hold out too much hope for a follow-up. While it may have a strong box-office opening, word of mouth seems sure to be dire. The only thing that saves Exorcist: Believer from being called the worst Exorcist movie ever is the fact that this particular series has some very bad entries.
- 10/5/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
William Friedkin’s horror classic The Exorcist turns 50 years old here in 2023, and the film’s raw power is felt as much today as it was all those decades ago. One of the most enduring images of the 1973 masterpiece is the face of the demon Pazuzu, played by Eileen Dietz.
The image flashes on the screen multiple times throughout The Exorcist, turning Dietz into something of a horror icon in her own right. All these years later, rare footage from those Pazuzu makeup tests has surfaced, and it’s been shared by Paul Davis on social media.
Davis, who directed Beware the Moon: Remembering An American Werewolf in London as well as the films The Body and Uncanny Annie (both part of Blumhouse’s anthology series “Into the Dark”), has shared a brief snippet of what he calls the “holy grail of outtakes from The Exorcist,” and he promises that...
The image flashes on the screen multiple times throughout The Exorcist, turning Dietz into something of a horror icon in her own right. All these years later, rare footage from those Pazuzu makeup tests has surfaced, and it’s been shared by Paul Davis on social media.
Davis, who directed Beware the Moon: Remembering An American Werewolf in London as well as the films The Body and Uncanny Annie (both part of Blumhouse’s anthology series “Into the Dark”), has shared a brief snippet of what he calls the “holy grail of outtakes from The Exorcist,” and he promises that...
- 10/4/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
“The Exorcist: Believer” looks to easily claim the No. 1 spot in its box office debut, but that almost wasn’t the case.
Universal and Blumhouse’s supernatural sequel, which is estimated to open to $30 million to $36 million from 3,600 North American theaters, was originally slated for next weekend to coincide with Friday the 13th. But the film moved up a week to avoid the unexpected release of Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” concert film, which is projected to bring in at least $100 million to start… and would have clobbered “The Exorcist” in terms of ticket sales.
Now, “The Exorcist: Believer,” the sixth installment in the legacy franchise, has the benefit of having the weekend to itself, at least in terms of new nationwide offerings. “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie,” “Saw X” and other holdover titles will round out North American box office charts.
“The Exorcist: Believer” cost $30 million and is well-positioned...
Universal and Blumhouse’s supernatural sequel, which is estimated to open to $30 million to $36 million from 3,600 North American theaters, was originally slated for next weekend to coincide with Friday the 13th. But the film moved up a week to avoid the unexpected release of Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” concert film, which is projected to bring in at least $100 million to start… and would have clobbered “The Exorcist” in terms of ticket sales.
Now, “The Exorcist: Believer,” the sixth installment in the legacy franchise, has the benefit of having the weekend to itself, at least in terms of new nationwide offerings. “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie,” “Saw X” and other holdover titles will round out North American box office charts.
“The Exorcist: Believer” cost $30 million and is well-positioned...
- 10/4/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
It's clear that writer/director David Gordon Green and his co-screenwriter Peter Sattler had to fight an uphill battle when making a sequel to William Friedkin's 1973 film "The Exorcist" in 2023. Not only did the filmmakers have to remain cognizant of what narrative ground the four or five previous films in the series had already covered (more on that number below), but they had to somehow rise above the thousands of "Exorcist" knockoffs that have arisen in the last 50 years to provide a fresh take on the material. No easy feat, seeing as how the Tubi library, as of this writing, currently has 49 films with "Exorcist" or "Exorcism" in the title. Apart from "Alien" and "Emmanuelle," "The Exorcist" may be one of the most imitated films in cinema history.
To address the "Exorcist" sequels, Green merely employed the same tactic as he did with his "Halloween" movies: ignore them entirely and reboot the story.
To address the "Exorcist" sequels, Green merely employed the same tactic as he did with his "Halloween" movies: ignore them entirely and reboot the story.
- 10/4/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
In the long history of horror films since the dawn of cinema, it would be hard to imagine any of them quite having the particular impact of 1973’s The Exorcist, which became the first horror film to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar along with nine other nominations including Best Actress for Ellen Burstyn. It eventually won two Academy Awards: for William Peter Blatty’s screenplay based on his 1971 novel, and for the bone-chilling sound work. When I saw it as a young kid in its original incarnation at the National Theatre in Westwood (now no longer existing), there were lines like you have never seen wrapping completely around the block. Warner Bros even put a nurse on duty in the lobby for those who passed out — no mere gimmick because it actually happened.
Nothing I have seen since in the genre has matched that one for me, but...
Nothing I have seen since in the genre has matched that one for me, but...
- 10/4/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Any love you had for David Gordon Green’s attempts to reanimate John Carpenter’s game-changing Halloween franchise will probably more or less correspond to your feelings about The Exorcist: Believer, the director’s bid to do the same for William Friedkin’s canonical demonic possession chiller. For those of us former Catholic school kids with vivid recall of being scared witless in our younger years by that 1973 classic, the new film is as deceptive a trickster as the Satanic visitor that takes up residence this time in not just one innocent girl but two.
In theory that should mean double the scare factor, and for most of the first hour all bodes well — or ill, if you dread what’s coming — as Green shows his respect for the original by disregarding its various sequels, prequels and the mostly forgettable 2016 Fox TV series. Universal has stressed that this is a direct sequel,...
In theory that should mean double the scare factor, and for most of the first hour all bodes well — or ill, if you dread what’s coming — as Green shows his respect for the original by disregarding its various sequels, prequels and the mostly forgettable 2016 Fox TV series. Universal has stressed that this is a direct sequel,...
- 10/4/2023
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We’ve seen what director David Gordon Green and Blumhouse Productions could do with the Halloween franchise, three times over. Now we’re going to see what they can do with the Exorcist franchise when The Exorcist: Believer reaches theatres this Friday, October 6th. This movie is meant to be the start of a new trilogy of Exorcist sequels, and Universal Pictures and Peacock forked over an amount somewhere in the range of $400 million to acquire the rights to distribute this trilogy… so they’re probably very glad to hear that the film is tracking to have a franchise record-breaking opening weekend.
Deadline reports that The Exorcist: Believer, which will be playing on 3600 screens, is expected to have a domestic opening weekend in the 30 to 36 million range. Currently, the R-rated reboot/sequel is trending demo-wise like The Nun 2, which saw a $32.6M opening, meaning it’s great with the 18-34 demographic,...
Deadline reports that The Exorcist: Believer, which will be playing on 3600 screens, is expected to have a domestic opening weekend in the 30 to 36 million range. Currently, the R-rated reboot/sequel is trending demo-wise like The Nun 2, which saw a $32.6M opening, meaning it’s great with the 18-34 demographic,...
- 10/4/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exactly 50 years ago this fall, the most terrifying horror film in history landed on screens, shocking audiences around the world. Now, on Friday, October 6, a new chapter begins. From Blumhouse and director David Gordon Green, who shattered the status quo with their resurrection of the Halloween franchise, comes The Exorcist: Believer.
The original Exorcist film can be looked at as rite of passage film for fans of the horror genre. In fact, when it was first released, many parents actually forbade their children from going to see the film. Film producer Jason Blum revealed that he was about twelve years old when he first saw the film, while director David Gordon Green tells us, “I was fifteen when I saw it and was watching the film in public library while wearing large headphones. Why you ask? Because my parents wouldn’t let me see it!” Blum adds, “The quickest way...
The original Exorcist film can be looked at as rite of passage film for fans of the horror genre. In fact, when it was first released, many parents actually forbade their children from going to see the film. Film producer Jason Blum revealed that he was about twelve years old when he first saw the film, while director David Gordon Green tells us, “I was fifteen when I saw it and was watching the film in public library while wearing large headphones. Why you ask? Because my parents wouldn’t let me see it!” Blum adds, “The quickest way...
- 10/4/2023
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
Panned by critics and hailed by audiences as one of the greatest horror films ever made, William Friedkin's "The Exorcist" is a classic that always finds its way onto the screens of viewers during Halloween season. The 1973 film, based on the 1971 novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty, centers on mother Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), who is desperate for answers after her seemingly normal daughter, Regan, begins to act strangely after interacting with a Ouija board in their rented home. After an attempt to contact a spirit named "Captain Howdy," Regan's physical, mental, and emotional state begins to decline severely and quickly, and she becomes possessed. Overwhelmed with her daughter's aggressive persona and superhuman strength, Chris enlists the help of two priests to expel the demon from Regan before it kills her.
At the time of its release, "The Exorcist" was considered by many to be the scariest movie in film history.
At the time of its release, "The Exorcist" was considered by many to be the scariest movie in film history.
- 10/3/2023
- by Alicia Geigel
- Popsugar.com
As Halloween culture grows with each passing year, so too does the volume of seasonal decor. Spirit Halloween remains the cream of the crop of the Halloween industry, as demonstrated by its 2023 offerings.
As horror fans, Halloween decorations can serve as year-round furnishings. Here are 10 must-have items to add to your collection this year:
Killer Klowns from Outer Space Sidesteppers – $32.99 each
Spirit Halloween’s line of animated “Sidesteppers” includes a pair of the titular Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Slim and Spikey. At 11.5″ tall with movement and sound, these horrific harlequins are guaranteed to grab trick-or-treaters’s attention.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Wreath – $39.99
This Texas Chain Saw Massacre wreath lights up and makes chainsaw noises, but what I really love about it is that it looks like something that you’d actually find in the Sawyer house. Measuring approximately 18″ across, it’s sure to ward of unwanted guests.
The Exorcist...
As horror fans, Halloween decorations can serve as year-round furnishings. Here are 10 must-have items to add to your collection this year:
Killer Klowns from Outer Space Sidesteppers – $32.99 each
Spirit Halloween’s line of animated “Sidesteppers” includes a pair of the titular Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Slim and Spikey. At 11.5″ tall with movement and sound, these horrific harlequins are guaranteed to grab trick-or-treaters’s attention.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Wreath – $39.99
This Texas Chain Saw Massacre wreath lights up and makes chainsaw noises, but what I really love about it is that it looks like something that you’d actually find in the Sawyer house. Measuring approximately 18″ across, it’s sure to ward of unwanted guests.
The Exorcist...
- 10/2/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
October film preview: Taylor Swift hits the multiplex, the Exorcist sequel finally arrives, and more
Clockwise from top left: Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (AMC Theaters), The Killer (Netflix), The Exorcist: Believer (Warner Bros.), Five Nights At Freddy’s (Universal), Killers Of The Flower Moon (Apple TV+)
The fall film season kicks off in earnest during October as horror titles and awards hopefuls hit the multiplex.
The fall film season kicks off in earnest during October as horror titles and awards hopefuls hit the multiplex.
- 9/26/2023
- by Mark Keizer, Cindy White, and Jen Lennon
- avclub.com
Well, “Exorswitft” was a short-lived phenomenon; the nickname for the dual release of “The Exorcist: Believer” and Taylor Swift’s concert film is no more.
That’s because Universal and Blumhouse’s spooky sequel “The Exorcist: Believer” has moved up its release date — losing its deliberately timed debut on Friday the 13 (of October) to instead land in theaters on Oct. 6 — in order to avoid the premiere of the much-hyped Eras Tour movie. Swift announced on Thursday that her concert film was headed to theaters on Oct. 13, which is her lucky number.
“Look what you made me do. The Exorcist: Believer moves to 10/6/23,” Jason Blum, the producer of “Exorcist,” wrote on Twitter, evoking Swift’s lyrics. “#TaylorWins.”
Look what you made me do.
The Exorcist: Believer moves to 10/6/23#TaylorWins
— Jason Blum (@jason_blum) August 31, 2023
“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” concert film, a rendering of her record-breaking stadium tour, will play...
That’s because Universal and Blumhouse’s spooky sequel “The Exorcist: Believer” has moved up its release date — losing its deliberately timed debut on Friday the 13 (of October) to instead land in theaters on Oct. 6 — in order to avoid the premiere of the much-hyped Eras Tour movie. Swift announced on Thursday that her concert film was headed to theaters on Oct. 13, which is her lucky number.
“Look what you made me do. The Exorcist: Believer moves to 10/6/23,” Jason Blum, the producer of “Exorcist,” wrote on Twitter, evoking Swift’s lyrics. “#TaylorWins.”
Look what you made me do.
The Exorcist: Believer moves to 10/6/23#TaylorWins
— Jason Blum (@jason_blum) August 31, 2023
“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” concert film, a rendering of her record-breaking stadium tour, will play...
- 8/31/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
13 is an important number to musician Taylor Swift. She considers it to be her lucky number. As she has said, “I was born on the 13th, I turned 13 on Friday the 13th, my first album went gold in 13 weeks. Also, my first song that ever went number 1, it had a 13 second intro, I didn’t even do that on purpose!” She had more examples to give, but the point is – when it was announced this morning that her concert film Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is going to reach theatres nationwide on Friday, October 13th, it totally made sense. And now, in response to that announcement, Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, and Morgan Creek Entertainment have decided to move their film The Exorcist: Believer forward one week from its October 13th release date to avoid having to compete with Taylor Swift on its opening weeked. The Exorcist: Believer will now reach theatres on October 6th.
- 8/31/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Director David Gordon Green recently finished working on a trilogy of Halloween sequels for Blumhouse Productions that consisted of Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills, and Halloween Ends. Now he and Blumhouse are working on a trilogy of sequels to the 1973 classic The Exorcist (watch it Here) that begins with The Exorcist: Believer, which is scheduled to reach theatres on October 13th. Today, Empire has unveiled a new image from The Exorcist: Believer, which can be found at the bottom of this article, while also sharing a quote where Green talks about preserving the dramatic integrity of The Exorcist.
Green told Empire, “The Halloween movies are in the slasher genre. They’re a place to play, and maybe have some campy fun. But this one was more researched and a bit academic. The narrative we were sculpting, and the relationships, were more dramatic. It’s a very different approach. … We’re talking about the horror genre,...
Green told Empire, “The Halloween movies are in the slasher genre. They’re a place to play, and maybe have some campy fun. But this one was more researched and a bit academic. The narrative we were sculpting, and the relationships, were more dramatic. It’s a very different approach. … We’re talking about the horror genre,...
- 8/30/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for World Cinema at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Charlotte Regan’s Scrapper delights within the first few minutes. Regan’s debut feature follows Georgie (Lola Campbell), a 12-year-old girl living utterly alone. She does the dishes, vacuums the carpet, and makes a meager earning by stealing and then selling bikes. She’s independent, feisty, a grown-up wearing the same soccer jersey every day. Georgie has recently lost her mother and she doesn’t want anything to change. Soon, though, her absent father, Jason (Harris Dickinson), shows up from Ibiza.
Regan’s story addresses grief without hesitation. The adolescents in Scrapper––Georgie and her best friend, Ali (Alin Uzun)––talk about her mother’s death openly. Then, they’ll go outside and play for hours in the grass surrounding their flats. These sequences stretch on, with Regan allowing the two to just be...
Regan’s story addresses grief without hesitation. The adolescents in Scrapper––Georgie and her best friend, Ali (Alin Uzun)––talk about her mother’s death openly. Then, they’ll go outside and play for hours in the grass surrounding their flats. These sequences stretch on, with Regan allowing the two to just be...
- 8/24/2023
- by Michael Frank
- The Film Stage
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